Trip to Hanley / Blurton 21-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63102	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley, adj stop J1	23	First Potteries
63102	Hanley BS	Blurton, Poplar Drive	23	First Potteries
69173	Blurton, Poplar Drive	Longton Interchange	22	First Potteries
69169	Longton, stop C	Fenton, adj Travers Court	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and later on he was going to the dinnr. He was going out on the bus and to visit uncle Dave. 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. whilst waiting for the time to go to the dentist and we saw First Potteries 69168 on a #11 to Newcastle. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car YM69 NLR outside there yard.

Afford rent-a-car YM69 NLR in Fenton

We stood at the bus stop and we waited for a first but to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 69172 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 69172 in Fenton

A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 63102 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63102 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. Once off the bus we walked up Lichfield Street and we crossed over the ring road. We then got up and got off the bus at the stop outside the bus station. Once off the bus we set off up Lichfield Street and across onto Tontine Street and we stopped at the Wetherspoons pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For dinner Matthew had For dinner Matthew had a Chicken burger and fries followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Once we had finished eating we went up Tontine Street. Afterwards we came back down and went to Primark. We came out of the shopping centre and we walked back along Tontine Street before continuing up to Stafford Street. We walked to Stafford Street and we turned left onto Piccadilly. We walked up Pall Mall and back on to Piccadilly. We walked back up right onto Lichfield Street and to the bus station. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63114 on a #7 to Kidsgrove. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63102 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 63102 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63102 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 63102

We set off onto bus station onto John Street and we saw First Potteries 63176 on a #7A to Biddulph. 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. We turned right onto Avenue Road and left onto Stoke Road. We ran down the hill and we turned left onto Station Road and past 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 Christchurch Street we turned right onto Station Bridge Road. We went forwards onto Heron Street and we went through Heron Cross and over the A50 onto Blurton Road. We ran down the hill and we went past the BP garage. We ran up the other side and we got off the bus opposite to the shops. Once we had finished we crossed over to wait for another bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later First Potteries 69173 on the #22 to Longton. We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We ran along Blurton Road and we turned right into Longton Hall Lane. We climed up the hill and and we ran down to the A50. We ran along the high level before crossing over the A50 and running onto Baths Road. Just before the railway bridge we turned right into Longton Transport Interchange. We got off the bus. We set off along the path better Wrights Pies and Barclays bank onto The Strand and we waited at the bus stop. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 69169 on a #11 to Newcastle. 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 and we saw First Potteries 69148 on a #11 to Hanley. 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 walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window we saw Stanton's of Stoke OYD 424 going towards Heron Cross. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church RX18 GZW. Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We went across the spare ground onto Willowdale Avenue and onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots with gravy followed by a slice of toffee cheesecake. Later on he had a drink of Fanta orange and a few digestive biscuits. Uncle Dave now has a biscuit tin. Matthew chilled out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned onto Willowdale Avenue we saw silver minibus DK53 VRE parked up. We crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the Queen Elizabeth II Court. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. 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 Sandbach / Newcastle 20-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
KN12 NBF	Fenton	Newcastle	Charter	Lucky Seven

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going on the bus later on. It was also the day Matthew learned of a new building scheme. Muller submits retail-and-resi scheme for Sandbach. 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. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Central Travel AE54 KFC going towards Stoke. 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. At the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. Part way down Victoria Road we saw First Potteries 69163 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge. We turned left onto Victoria Road. In Aldi Matthew picked up his weekly shop. After he had done his shopping we went to Sandbach in a Magnum taxi. We set off onto Victoria Road and we ran down to joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran forwards onto Lichfield Street. We ran up to the ring road and we ran anti-clockwise around Hanley. We turned right onto the A50 and we ran Northwards through Cobridge into Burslem. We continued up Scotia Road towards Tunstall and we continued onto the High Street and Northwards through Goldenhill. We ran down the hill to Kisgrove and we continued under the railway line and canal into Cheshire. We ran through to Rode Heath and we turned right onto the A5011. We turned left onto the A533 and we ran the last few miles into Sandbach. We followed the A533 Northwards through town and we turned right into the town centre. We parked up on the common and we saw D&G Bus 150 on a #317 to Leighton. We walked down the High Street and we stopped at the pub for dinner. Matthew went to the toilet and after wards had dinner. He had a burger and chips washed down with a glass of Coke. For dessert Matthew had a chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished we walked back to the Common. We returned to Fenton in a Magnum taxi. We set off onto the A533 and we headed Southwards. We ran down to Rode Heath and we turned right onto the B5011. We turned left onto the A50 and we ran through Kidsgrove. We ran through Goldenhill and we joined the A527 towards the Chatterley Valley. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran through Longport and Etruria. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we and right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street past the new building under construction and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and back to his room to chill out. We saw grey minibus SB66 FZW going towards Longton.

SB66 FZW in Fenton

Also seen was blue minibus DG52 CXP going towards Stoke.

DG52 CXP in Fenton

Whilst waiting to go out we saw grey minibus DS53 TXY parked up in Manor Street.

DS53 TXY in Fenton

Afterwards we saw D&G Bus 119 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 119 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had a Lamb Mince Pasta Bake Cheese & Bacon followed by cake. Later on Matthew went to the adult social at the old adventure playground. We went downstairs and we went in a Lucky Seven KN12 NBF. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street where we saw Stanton's of Stoke FJ66 CYC. 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 where we saw silver minibus CX03 YOK. We crossed over the A500. We joined the Northbound A500. As we travelled North we saw Afford rent-a-car MK67 UEN. we came off the A500 and we ran up to Shelton. We joined Shelton New Road and we headed into Hartshill. At the roundabout we ran forwards onto George Street and into Newcastle. We ran forwards onto Ryecroft and we turned left onto the Southbound A34. We turned right onto the A525 and we turned right onto Stanier Street. We got up and got off the bus and went we got into the building Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards Matthew went outside and went on the slide. He also spent time in the soft play area. Later on Matthew had a can of coke. When we had finished we said goodbye and we returned to Fenton in a taxi. We set off along Stanier Road and we turned right. We turned left onto the B5044. We turned left onto the A525 and left onto the Northbound A34. We turned right onto Ryecroft and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and we ran into Hartshill. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned left onto Shelton Old Road and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran up to the next junction we turned left onto City Road and right into Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street past the new building under construction and back to the residential unit. 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 Trentham Gardens / Smallthorne 19-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
NK14 FMU	Fenton	Trentham Gardens	Charter	Travel Express
NK14 FMU	Trentham Gardens	Fenton	Charter	Travel Express

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Trentham Gardens to see the fireworks. 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. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Hanley. We went downstairs to wait for the taxi. Transport for the trip was Travel Express NK14 FMU. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road and we followed the road to the left onto Heron Street where we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley. We went through the traffic lights and we crossed over the A50. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and then turned right onto Church Road. At the light we turned right onto the A5035 We continued over the railway line into Trentham and we ran to the end of the A5035. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran into Trentham Gardens. We parked up and we went to the retail village. we stopped at the riverside Cafe and for dinner Matthew had sausage chips and beans washed down with a bottle of Coke. After we had finished eating Matthew returned to Fenton it was Travel Express NK14 FMU. We got in the taxi and we set off onto the Northbound A34 and we saw South Staffs YU52 VYE. At Hanford roundabout we turned right onto the Northbound A500. We ran through Sideway and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We turned right onto City Road and we ran under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right into Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew returned to his room to chill out. we saw Jayjays Travel YM61 PUA going towards Hanley.

Jayjays Travel YM61 PUA in Fenton

Also seen was red minibus BJ09 DGF going towards Heron Cross.

BJ09 DGF in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 119 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 119 in Fenton

Also seen was red minibus YX68 SUF going towards Longton.

YX68 SUF in Fenton

For tea Matthew had a chilken fajitas and chips followed by cake. Later on we went out to Smallthorne in a car. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed City Road onto Manor Street and we ran to the end where we turned left onto Victoria Road. At Joiners square we went forwards onto Lichfield Street. We ran anti-clockwise arouse the ring road and we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #5 to Hanley. We turned left onto Town Road. After crossing over the ring road we We travelled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 In Fegg Hayes we turned right onto Oxford Street and we ran through Chell Heath past the site of Matthew's old school which has now been demolished. In Smallthorne we turned right onto Ford Green Road. We stopped at Joe's house and We turned onto Ford Green Road and at the roundabouts we turned left onto the A5272. We followed the road through Sneyd Green and Northwood and down to Bucknall. We turned right onto the A52 and at Joiners Square roundabout we turned left onto Victoria Road. At the top of the hill we turned right onto City Road and we ran down the hill to Smithpool Road. We turned left and left again onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out on his computer. 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 Bradford / Halifax 16-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37694	Bradford Interchange	Halifax BS	576	First West Yorkshire
63289	Halifax BS	Brighouse BS	548	First West Yorkshire
69318	Brighouse BS	Bradford Interchange	686	First West Yorkshire
1933	Bradford Interchange	Cleckheaton BS	268	Arriva Yorkshire
1550	Cleckheaton BS	Birstall Market Place	200	Arriva Yorkshire
1520	Birstall Market Place	Cleckheaton BS	200	Arriva Yorkshire
1517	Cleckheaton BS	Bankfoot, Carr Bottom Road	268	Arriva Yorkshire
37081	Bankfoot, Carr Bottom Road	Bradford, Hall Ings	645	First West Yorkshire

Today we started the day in Bradford. Matthew woke up around 07:30 and he chilled out in his room and got ready to go out. We left the hotel at 10:00 and we set off to a pub in Shipley for breakfast. We ran out of the industrial estate onto Rockhill Lane and at the end we turned left onto Bierley Lane. We ran up the hill and we turned right onto the Northbound A6177. We turned left onto Bowling Hall Road and we ran along this quiet street to the edge of the town centre. We joined the Northbound A650 and we headed Northwards out of town. We passed below Valley Parade and we ran forwards onto Canal Road. We continued onto the A6037 and followed the road around to the right and into Shipley town centre. At the roundabout we turned left onto Salts Mill Road and we parke up at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we sat down at the table with mum and uncle Dave. Matthew had a large breakfast washed down with a glass of orange juice. After we had finished eating we got back in the car and headed back to Bradford. We set off onto Salts Mill Road past the site of the new retail park and we turned right onto the Southbound A6037. We continued onto Otley Road and we joined the Southbound A650. We continued into town along manningham Lane and past Valley Parade and we turned right onto the A6181. We continued arounf the inner ring road past Hall Ings and we parked up at the Broadway Shopping Centre. Once we had parked up we went down to the ground floor and into the shopping centre. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we said goodbye to mum and we set off on foot towards the interchange. We walked out of the shopping centre on Market Street and we walked past the new Metro Bank. Further up the Street we saw First Potteries 37730 on a #640 to Thorpe Edge.

First West Yorkshire 37730 in Bradford

We turned left onto Bridge Street and we spotted the Hall Ings bus stops. We crossed Hall Ings and we headed to the Interchange. We went to the WY Metro travel office to tried and buy a Weekender ticket after being told they were App and mCard only. They lady in the travel office told us that WY Metro Weekender tickets are paper they are sold on the bus! With this new information we headed upstairs to the bus station part of the interchange. We saw First West Yorkshire 35233 on a X6 to Leeds.

First West Yorkshire 35233 in Bradford Interchange

We looked along the stands to see what we could catch. We spot a #576 to Halifax the was departing shortly. When we got closer we saw it was First West Yorkshire 37694 on a #576 to Halifax.

First West Yorkshire 37694 in Bradford Interchange

We got on the bus and we purchased WY Metro Weekender tickets at £8.50 each before we went upstairs and sat down. A couple of minutes later the bus set off out of the interchnage and we turned onto Croft Street. We turned right onto the Northbound A641 and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Little Horton Lane and we ran past the ice rink. We turned right right onto Chester Street. We ran forwards onto Great Horton Road and we heade out of town. We ran through Shearbridge and forwards onto the A6177. We continued onto the A647 and into Great Horton. We continued through Horton Bank Top and Old Dolphin. The bus paused in Queensbury opposite the opposite the war memorial and we ran through Amblet Thorn. As we ran down down the hill towards Halifax we had stunninf views over the Valley to the North West. We continued Southwards descending through Boothtown and we reached the edge of Halifax. We crossed the North Bridge and we continued onto Northgate before turning left into the bus station. The bus station is currently being re-built. Once off the bus we had a look around. A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 2159 on loan to Transdev Team Pennine on a #22 to Claremont.

Transdev Team Pennine 2159 in Halifax bus station

Also seen was First West Yorkshire 33873 on layover.

First West Yorkshire 33873 in Halifax bus station

We had a look around to see what we could catch. There was a #548 to Rastrick in around 15 minutes, so we decided to wait for that. A short time later the bus arrived into the bus station. It was First West Yorkshire 63289 on a #548 to Nunnery Lane.

First West Yorkshire 63289 in Halifax bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the WY Metro Weekender tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station. We set off out of the bus station onto Northgate and we crossed over the North Bridge. We ran forwards onto the A58 and we headed Eastwards. We ran through Godley Gardens and into Stump Cross. We continued to the centre of Hipperholme and we turned right onto the Southbound A644. We continued into North West corner of Brighouse and we ran forwards onto the A643. We ran forwards onto Gooder Street and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked out of the bus station and we took a picture of First West Yorkshire 63289 before it continued on to Rastrick.

First West Yorkshire 63289 in Brighouse bus station

We had a look at the bus station departure board to see when the next bus was due. There was a #686 due in a few minutes. We walked back into the bus station and we waited in the open air middlke section of the bus station. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First West Yorkshire 69318 on a #686 to Bradford.

First West Yorkshire 69318 in Brighouse bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the WY Metro Weekender tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto the onto the Northbound A643. We turned right onto the linkroad and we turned left onto the Northbound A641. We veered left onto Bonegate Road and we ran forwards onto Garden Road. We veered right onto Lightcliffe Road and we headed Northwards. We turned right onto Smith House Lane and left onto Stoney Lane. We turned right onto Aysgarth Avenue and we re-joined Smith House Lane. We turned right onto the A649 and at the crossroad in Baliff Bridge we turned left onto the A641. We turned right onto the A58 and we headed Eastwards. We turned left onto Whitehall Avenue and we ran forwards onto Griffe Head Road. We turned left Onto Griffe Road and we ran through Wyke. We ran up the B6379 to the end and we re-joined the Northbound A641. We came up the slip road at Odsal and onto the roundabout. As we crossed the roundabout at Odsal we saw First West Yorkshire 32506 rush past us on the A641 below us. We ran back down the slip road and re-joined the main A641. Part way down the road we joined the bus lane and ran towards Bradford. We turned right into Hall Ings and right into Bridge Street and we turned into the interchange. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went downstairs and Matthew used the toilet. We went back upstairs and we decided to go in a different direction. When we arrived we saw an Arriva double decker go on layover. As we got back upstairs we looked for the stand and we saw it was due off in 3 minutes. We walked over to the stand and we saw Arriva Yorkshire 1933 on a #268 to Wakefield.

Arriva Yorkshire 1933 in Bradford Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the WY Metro weekender ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the interchange and onto Croft Street. We Crossed over the A641 on Senior Way and we turned left onto Little Horton Lane. We ran past the Hospital and we turned left onto Thornton Lane and we ran down to the A6177. We headed Eastwards before turning right onto the Southbound A641. We ran down to Odsal and we came up off the main carriageway and over the roundabout before re-joining the A641. The bus would normally veer left onto Cleckheaton Road, but due to a road closure the bus was diverted via Wyke. WE veered left onto the B6379 and through Wyke. We turned left onto Westfield Lane and left onto the Eastbound A58. We ran fast to the roundabout and we crossed the under the M62 and on the A638. We continued into Cleckheaton and as we came into town we saw Everest coach B19 EVR parked up next the the Aakash Indian Restaurant. In the centre of town we turned right onto Parkside and left onto Greenside before entering Cleckheaton bus station. Once off the bus we decided to have a quick walk around the bus station. We saw Arriva Yorkshire 1982 on a #255 to Leeds.

Arriva Yorkshire 1982 in Cleckheaton bus station

We walked around the park to Parkside and we turned right onto Northgate. We visited a shop and we brought a few cans of pop and a few chocolate bars. We walked back down Northgate and into the park. We sat down and Matthew had a can of Coke Zero and a Milky Way. Once we had finished eating and drinking we walked down to the bus station to wait for another bus. We decided to do a bus towards Birstall. A short time later we saw Arriva Yorkshire 1550 on a #200 to Leeds.

Arriva Yorkshire 1550 in Cleckheaton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the WY Metro weekender ticket to the driver. The lower saloon was empty when we got on the bus so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Yorkshire 1550 before we went upstairs.

Inside Arriva Yorkshire 1550

The top deck was also empty, so Matthew took another picture inside Arriva Yorkshire 1550 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva Yorkshire 1550

A few minutes later the bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Dewsbury Road. We turned right onto St Peg Lane and we ran forwards onto Spen Bank and we climbed out of the valley. We continued forwards onto Spen Lane we turned left onto Woodlands Road. We turned right onto Cliffe Lane and left onto Latham Lane. We turned right on to West Lane and Right onto Oxford Road and into the centre of Gomersal. We turned left onto Church Lane and we headed Eastwards. At the end of the road we turned left onto Bradford Road and right onto Kirkgate. We continued onto Low Lane and in the centre of Birstall we veered right onto Chapel lane and we stopped in the town cente where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Yorkshire 1550 before it continued on it's journey towards Leeds.

Arriva Yorkshire 1550 in Birstall

We had a quick look at the bus stops and we decided that it would probably be best if we headed back towards Bradford. WE looked around and we though the place looked familiar. We visited Birstall back in August 2019 when we started at Huddersfield. We walked along Low Lane to the bus stop and we waited for the bus back to Cleckheaton. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva Yorkshire 1491 on a #281 to Birstall Retail Park. We checked the bustimes.org map and we saw the bus was approaching. At it got closer we saw it was Arriva Yorkshire 1520 on the #200 to Cleckheaton.

Arriva Yorkshire 1520 in Birstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the WY Metro weekender ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Low Lane and we ran forwards onto Kirkgate. We turned left onto Bradford Road and right onto Church Lane. At the crossroads in Gomersal we turned right onto Oxford Road. We turned left onto West Lane and left onto Latham Lane. We turned right onto Cliffe Lane and left onto Woodlands Road. We turned right onto Spen Lane and we ran down Spen Bank into Cleckheaton. We Continued onto St Peg Lane and we ran forwards onto Parkside. We turned left onto Greenside and we turned left into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we looked for the stand for the next #268 to Bradford. Whilst we were waiting we saw Arriva Yorkshire 1538 on a #268 to Wakefield.

Arriva Yorkshire 1538 in Cleckheaton bus station

A few minutes later our bus came on stand. It was Arriva Yorkshire 1517 on a #268 to Bradford.

Arriva Yorkshire 1517 in Cleckheaton bus station

We crossed over the road into the central reservation where there is a bus lane for Northbound buses into Bradford. We waited at the stop for a bus towards Bradford. Whilst we waied we saw First West Yorkshire 32508 on a X63 to Bradford.

First West Yorkshire 32508 in Bankfoot

First West Yorkshire 37081 in Bankfoot

We got on the bus and we place the WY Metro weekender tickets for the final time under the scanner before going upstairs. As the rear of the top deck was empty, Matthew took a picture inside First West Yorkshire 37081 before we sat down.

Inside First West Yorkshire 37081

We set off along the bus lane and we ran down Manchester Road for the last few miles. At the roundabout we turned right into Hall Ings and we got up and got of the bus as the bus stands opposite THe Bradford Hotel. Once off the bus we set off on foot towards the car park. Matthew took another picture of First West Yorkshire 37081 as it went off to the depot not in service.

First West Yorkshire 37081 in Bradford

Trip to Brierley / Bradford 15-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69476	Bierley, Lynsey Gdns	Bradford Interchange	620	First West Yorkshire
37710	Bradford Interchange	Dudley Hill, Sticker Lane	618	First West Yorkshire

Today was the first day of the weekend away to Bradford. Matthew was in his residential unit and later on we were travelling up to Bradford. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had crumpets and orange for breakfast. He chilled out in his room until dinnertime. He went downstairs and set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Smithpool Rpad and we picked up dinner. We set off onto Smithpool Road and we turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. matthew went upstairs and ate his dinner. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down a can of Dr Pepper. Matthew chilled out in his room until 14:00 when we cam to pick him up. He came downstairs and we got into the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. We continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We came off the A500 at Wolstanton and we stopped at Asda for diesel. Once we had finished we re-joined the Northbound A500 and we headed North. We had heard that the M6 was shut near to junction 16 so we decided to come off onto the A527. It looked like both the A500 and the A50 were going to busy so We crossed over the top of Tunstall past the new Costa Coffee and we headed down the hill towards Fegg Hayes. We continued through Brindley Ford and we turned left onto Brown Lees Road. We turned right onto Brook Street and we continued forwards onto Tower Hill Road. We continued onto Congleton Road and we turned left into Mow Cop. We ran through Mount Pleasant and over the railway and we turned right onto Station Road. We continued onto the A34 and we turned right into Brownlow Heath. We joined the Northbound A536 and we turned left onto the A54. We ran through Holmesd Chapel before joining the Northbound M6. As we travelled Northwards up the M6 we saw white minibus GX17 VPA. We came off the M6 at junction 21A and we joined the Eastbound M62 ane ran towards the M60. We joined the M60 and we continued Eastwards. We ran around the North Side of Manchester and when the Motorways split we continued Eastwards along the M62. We ran past Elland and Brighouse and we came of the motorways at junction 26 onto the Northbound M606. We turned right onto Merrydale Road and we ran under the M606. We turned right Roydsdale Way and we parked up in front of the Hotel. Once we had check into the hotel we had a short chill out and we took all our belongings up to the room. A short time later mum drove us the 1/2 mile or so to the nearest place we could catch a bus from. We went downstairs and we got in the car. We set off onto Roydsdale Way and we turned right onto Merrydale Road. We ran around onto Wharfdale Road and we turned right onto Rockhill Lane. We passed the nature reserve and at the roundabout we turned left onto Brierley Lane. Mum dropped us off at the bus stop and she drove off towards Bradford. We waited for the next bus towards Bradford. Whilst we waited we realised the bus would go down the lane before it came back up to the stop as there was a turning circle at the bottom of the road. A few minutes later we saw the bus go down the hill. It was First West Yorkshire 69476. A few minutes later First West Yorkshire 69476 cam back up the hill on a #620 Howarth Road circular. We got on the bus and we attempted to buy a WY Metro Weekender tickets at £8.50, but it turned out that the driver was an idiot and he refused to sell them to us despite the start time of the ticket having past. We ended up buying singles tickets into Bradford before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Brierley lane and we turned right into Shetcliffe Lane and we turned left onto Ferrand Avenue. We turned left onto Burnham Avenue and we ran up to the A6177. We headed North Eastwards and at the roundabout we joined the Northbound A650. We turned left onto Croft Street and we turned back on ourselves and under Croft Street into Bradford Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we had a walk around to rake a few pictures. We saw First West Yorkshire 63288 parked up on layover in the Interchange.

First West Yorkshire 63288 in Bradford Interchange

Also on layover was First West Yorkshire 37041 in between runs on the #637. We had a walk around the Interchange to see what we might catch. We saw First West Yorkshire 37752 on a #617 Ayresome Oval circular service.

First West Yorkshire 37752 in Bradford Interchange

We seemed to be streuggling to get a bus going in the right direction. We saw a service that was going close to where we wanted so we decided to catch that bus. We went to the stand and we saw it was First West Yorkshire 37710 on a #618 circular service which was heading towards Holmewood.

First West Yorkshire 37710 in Bradford Interchange

We got on the bus and we booked to Dudley Hill, which cost us £1 each as it was after 19:00. We went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the Interchange and we turned onto Croft Street. We crossed over the railway line and we joined the Southbound A650. We ran Southwards for about a mile and we turned left into Sticker Lane where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First West Yorkshire 37710 as it continued towards Holmewood.

First West Yorkshire 37710 in Dudley Hill

Once off the bus we set off on foot Westards along Sticker Lane. We went under the roundabout and over the A650 through a subway which was not lit up. We had to use the torch on the phone to get through safely. We continued Westwards along the A6177 and we walked down to Asda where bwe met up with mum. We went into Adsa and matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went in the shop and we brought some suyplies to make some supper with. We returned to the car and we set off onto the roundabout. We missed the exit for Brierley Lane and we ended up on the Westbound A650. We ran down to the motorway and we joined the Southbound A606. We came off the motorway at junction and we turned left onto Merrydale Road and right onto Roydsdale Way and we parked up in front of the Hotel. We went up to the room and we made some sandwiches. We then set up the computers. Matthew had some problems with his SD card in his camera. Luckily we were able to fix the card with the computer and recover some of the pictures. We chilled out in the room and Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Newcastle / Longton 14-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63118	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
65028	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
63111	Hanley BS	Longton, Market Street	6	First Potteries
63103	Longton, stop C	Fenton, adj Travers Court	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus later on. 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. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Newcastle. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car DL21 NVF parked up.

Afford rent-a-car DL21 NVF in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63118 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63118 in Fenton

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 saw ECO Travel PE07 YNJ. 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. Once we got off the bus. We walked out of the bus station onto Castle Walk and we visited Poundland. Matthew brought a can of Coke. We continued along Castle Walk. We turned left onto Ironmarket and we stopped at the bank at the end. We turned left onto High Street and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished we walked down High Street and we turned left into Hassell Street. We returned to the bus station and we waited for a bus to Hanley. After a short while we saw First Potteries 65028 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65028 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee Roundabout. We joined the one-way system and we ran onto the A52. We continued up to the top of George Street and we veered left onto the B5045. We went through the traffic light onto Shelton New Road. We crossed over the A500 and we ran up to Snow Hill. We ran up Broad Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street. We climbed the hill and up into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. We waited for the bus to Longton and a short time later we saw First Potteries 63111 on a #6 to Park Hall.

First Potteries 63111 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. 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. City Road and we continued forwards onto King Street. We passed through Foley. We ran forwards into Longton 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 crossed Market Street and walked up Transport Lane and crossed over The Strand and to the bus stop. We waited for a bus back towards Fenton. A few minutes later we saw silver minibus CU10 CCA.

CU10 CCA in Longton

We continued down to the Strand and we turned left by Hylands and past the shops to Tesco and we saw grey minibus DL19 UKV parked up.

DL19 UKV in Longton

A Tesco and Matthew used the toilet. After we had used the facilities we walked past the bus station and we walked through onto The Strand. We walked up to the bus stop and we waited for a bus towards Fenton. A short time later we saw D&G Bus 111 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 111 in Longton

A short time later we saw First Potteries 63114 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63114 in Longton

A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63103 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63103 in Newcastle

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 walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. We saw grey minibus DU21 VVA going towards Heron Cross. For tea Matthew had a chilken fajitas and chips followed by cake. Later on we went downstairs and out onto Temple Street. We went in a car to Bentilee. We set off onto along Temple Street and onto Christchurch Street. We turned right up Baker Street and left onto Glebdale Road. We turned right onto City Road and at the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and and we went forwards on Lichfield Street. At Hanley joined the anti-clockwise ring road and we turned right onto Bucknall New Road. We crossed over the traffic lights and forwards onto the A52. We veered right and we joined the A5272. We ran to the other end of Bentilee and we turned left onto Beverley Drive. We turned right onto Cowley Way and left onto Waverton Road. We stopped in the estate and we stopped at a house. Matthew went to a themed party. After the party Matthew returned to Fenton by car We set off onto Waverton Street and we turned onto Cowley Way. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and left onto the A5272. We turned left onto the A5272 and at Adderley Green we turned right onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill and down the other side and into Longton town centre. We joined the one way system and due to the road been closed eastbound from Market Street to Commercial Street we turned right into Chadwick Street. We turned right into Normacot Road and we crossed the roundabout onto The Strand. We ran under the railway line and forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and to his room to chill out. He watched television and used his computer. Later on he had a bath. After his bath he had some toast for supper. He chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 13-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67151	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67151	Hanley BS	Fenton, opp Albert Square	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus later. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day service we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. After a short wait we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67151 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto 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 Steet 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 and we turned right onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 279. We forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street where we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we saw First Potteries 67159 on a #3 to Crewe. Once off the bus we walked up Lichfield Street and onto Stafford Street. We saw Direct Cars S4 YDK. We continued along Stafford Street and we turned left onto Trinity Street. Matthew went to the optician and had his eyes tested. Once we had finished we came back out onto Trinity Street. We walked back up right onto Stafford Street. We saw First Potteries 63113 on a #6A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 63113 in Hanley

We turned left onto Piccadilly and we turned left onto Cheapside. We walked through Albion Street and we turned right onto Pall Mall and we walked up to the doctor. We walked up Pall Mall and back on to Albion Street. We turned left onto Tontine Street. We continued through the square onto Parliament Row. Once we had finished eating we walked onto Old Hall Street. We walked up Albion Street and we turned right onto Pall Mall and we walked up to the doctor. We walked up Pall Mall and back on to Albion Street. We turned onto Stafford Street and we went to Specsavers. Matthew brought some of eye tests. When we had finished we came out onto Stafford Street and turned left onto Trinity Street. Matthew returned to the optician to finish having his eyes tested. Once we had finished We walked up Trinity Street and turned right onto Stafford Street. We continued onto Lichfield Street and to the bus station. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 69168 on a #3 to Crewe. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67151 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down. 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 Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back to to the residential unit. We set off onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out on his computer and watch buses out of the window. For dinnr Matthew had beans on toast followed a couple of slices of chocolate cake. Matthew also had a can of Coke. In the afternoon Matthew went downstairs and we got in a car. We set off onto Temple Street and right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto City Road and we headed down the road into Stoke and we went under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 and we joined the Northbound carriageway. We ran to the next junction and we turned left onto Copeland Street. We turned right onto Liverpool Road and right onto Geen Street. We turned right onto Church Street and we ran up the hill into Hartshill. We continued into Newcastle along George Street. We walked out of the bus station and onto the A52. We walked around to the Covid testing site and afterwards onto Ironmarket. We stopped at the pub and had a drink of Coke. Once we had finished at the pub we walked along Ironmarket and right onto Castle Walk. We walked onto Hassell Street. We got a Lucky Seven taxi back to Fenton. We set off onto Stubbs Street and we turned left onto Barracks Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A53. We ran around the one-way system and we turned left onto the A52. At the end of George Street we veered left onto Shelton New Road and we ran towards Shelton. We crossed over the A500 and we turned right onto the Southbound carriageway. We came off the A500 near to Hyde Park corner and we turned left onto City Road. We ran under the railway line and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road, left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to Matthew's room to chill out on his computer and watch buses out of the window. For tea Matthew had burger and chips followed by a Vienetta. Later on Matthew went out. We went downstairs and we got in a car. We set off down We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. At the end we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52. We ran to Limekiln light and we turned right to follow the A52. We ran into Bucknall and we turned left onto Newhouse Road. We ran to the end and we stopped at the college. Matthew went to the toilet and returned to Fenton by car. We set off onto Newhouse Road and we turned right onto the A52. We followed the the A52 to the left and we headed up to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout and we headed towards Stoke. We passed near to the railway station and we ran along side the railway line. We turned left onto City Road and we headed up into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. He watched television and used his computer. later on he had a bath. For supper Matthew had some toast. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark