Welcome to the AGTO Eastern Region – a thriving community of group travel enthusiasts across a wide region, including Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and the area north of the Thames.
We connect 53+ members passionate about creating unforgettable travel experiences. Share your expertise, find inspiration, and connect with fellow organizers through our events, trips, and online platforms.
Stay updated on our events, trips, and news through this page, email, Zoom, and Facebook. We’re looking forward to connecting with you!
Watch this space for
News and views
Features
Don’t forget to join the AGTO facebook page here.
Not a member? Join here today!
Catherine Skeggs – Chairman and Director
Jackie Ames – Secretary
Ian Thirkettle – Treasurer
Carlie Newman – Committee Member
Robert Coleman – Committee Member
Tony Wright – Official Eastern Region Photographer/Branch Web Contact
For up to the minute news and views, visit us on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/EasternBranchAGTO
Upcoming Events
Regional Meetings
Brooklands Museum FAM Trip • Monday 27 April 2026
Step back into the birthplace of British motor racing and join us for a fascinating day at the world‑famous Brooklands Museum, celebrating the centenary of the first British Grand Prix. This special Eastern Region FAM trip offers a rich blend of motoring heritage, aviation icons, and behind‑the‑scenes insight into one of the UK’s most historic museum sites.
What’s Included
- Welcome & Presentation – Hear the story of Brooklands over tea and coffee at 11.30
- Guided Highlights Tour – Racing cars, historic aircraft, and the London Bus Museum. 12.00 to 1.00
- Two‑Course Buffet Lunch – Served in the Bluebird Room. 1.30 to 2.20
- Free Time to Explore – With the chance to enjoy a Concorde Walkthrough and cockpit visit*
- Farewell & Networking – Meet museum staff and collect group‑visit information packs at 4.00
*Concorde access subject to group size.
Cost
- £5 per AGTO member
- £10 per guest
How to Book
- Pay by bank transfer
- Account Name: AGTO Eastern Branch
- Sort Code: 23 05 80
- Account Number: 55515239
- Email confirmation to:
- Catherine – chair-eastern@agto.co.uk
- Jackie – Jacames@hotmail.com
Include your name and any guest names.
Come and enjoy a memorable day celebrating the machines, people, and stories that shaped British motorsport and aviation.
Early Summer Fam Trip
Mid Norfolk Railway • Monday 1 June 2026
Join us for a delightful early‑summer outing as the AGTO Eastern Region heads to the charming Mid Norfolk Railway, one of Britain’s longest heritage lines. Stretching over 17 miles from Dereham to Wymondham, the route winds through peaceful Norfolk countryside and the characterful stations of Yaxham, Thuxton and Hardingham — a perfect setting for an enjoyable and informative day out.
What to Expect
Our visit begins at Dereham Station (NR19 1DF) at 11am, where tea and coffee will be waiting.
We then board our exclusive charter train at 11.30am for a relaxed journey to Wymondham and back, giving you the chance to experience the line exactly as your groups would.
On returning to Dereham, a light lunch will be served — a choice of cheese or ham salad with boiled potatoes, followed by cheesecake or strawberries and cream, plus tea or coffee.
There will be plenty of time to explore the station, meet the friendly team, and gather all the practical details you need about group visits, catering options and pricing.
Cost
- £5 per AGTO member
- £10 per guest
How to Book
To secure your place:
- a) Please pay by bank transfer:
Account Name: AGTO Eastern Branch
Sort Code: 23 05 80
Account Number: 55515239 - b) Then email:
- Catherine Skeggs, Chair – chair-eastern@agto.co.uk
- Jackie Ames, Secretary – jacames@hotmail.com
Confirm your payment and include your guest’s name if applicable.
We hope you’ll join us for this relaxed and enjoyable day exploring one of Britain’s most charming heritage railways — a perfect opportunity to gather inspiration for future group visits while enjoying good company and a lovely day out.
News Archive
Royal Albert Hall Tour and Branch AGM November 2025
AGTO’s Eastern Region AGM was held in the Royal Albert Hall and was proceeded by a tour of the building.
More photos from our visit can be seen at:
Royal Albert Hall and Memorial November 2025 | Flickr
Alice in Puzzleland
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts
Mamma Mia
Epping and Ongar Railway, 30th July 2025
40 members enjoyed an day on the Epping and Ongar Railway.
Starting at Shenf
ield we boarded a vintage bus for a ride through the Essex countryside to Ongar and the start of our railway adventure.
“The Epping Fryer” steam locomotive took us up to North Weald Station, the hub of the railways operations.
Having had our group photograph in front of the loo taken some of us were able to go into the cab.
After lun
ch, members were free to chose: train rides to Epping and Ongar, visit to the period signal box, more scenic bus rides to the stations.
More photos from our visit can be seen at:
Epping and Ongar Railway, July 2025 | Flickr
London Museum Docklands, 9th January 2025
Robert Coleman kindly organised a visit to the London Docklands Museum in Canary Wharf. After coffee in their café on the ground floor, we ascended to the third floor of the museum. An accessibility life is available.
Follo
wing a short talk by Robert, we worked our way back down through a extensive array of exhibitions covering all aspects of life in London Docklands area.
Given the cold weather, we were grateful that our lunch venue in The Ledger Building was only next door.
In better weather, your visit could be extended to include a tour of the numerous modern and historical sights in the interesting and vibrant part of London.
More photos from our visit can be seen at:
London Museum Docklands. January 2025 | Flickr
A typical Guided Walk would take in these sights:
Canary Wharf Walk, September 2024 | Flickr
Eastern Branch AGM held at Kenwood House, 7th October 2024
Our AGM was held at Kenwood House on a lovely autumn day.
We were treated to a very informative tour of the House by one of the volunteer guides.
After the formal part of the AGM, Anna Karin-Hanson from English Heritage, gave us an update on EH activities in our Branch’s area. We then had the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch together and explore the extensive grounds.
We’d like to thank Anna for organising the venue for us.
More photos from our visit can be seen at:
Kenwood House, October 2024 | Flickr
Apsley House and The Wellington Arch, 18th July 2024
Networking Event, 19th March 2024
All Hallows by the Tower Tour and Networking Lunch
We had another networking event organised by Robert Coleman, an Eastern Branch GTO and owner of the London Cultureseekers Group.
We had lunch at Byward Kitchen & Bar. Afterwards Robert took us on a tour around the church and into the crypt.
Byward kitchen and bar is a venue that offers homemade, traditional, British food in a relaxing setting. Situated next to All Hallows by the Tower church and a stones throw from the Tower of London, the restaurant and bar offers a surprising oasis on the edge of one of the busiest cities in the world.
All Hallows by the Tower, with its rich history dating back to 675 AD, is not only the oldest church in the City of London but also a testament to the city’s enduring faith and resilience. Founded by the Abbey of Barking, the church has witnessed many significant events, including surviving the Great Fire of London and the Blitz during World War II.
Today, it stands as a beacon of hope and history, offering services and a peaceful space for reflection to all who visit.
More photos from our visit and the walk down from Aldgate can be seen at:
Branch AGM February 2024
AGTO Eastern Branch was held on 22nd February 2024 at Americana, Haymarket.
Following the meeting, we enjoyed a meal in the main restaurant, exchanging ideas for future trips for our groups, next year’s AGM and other event plans. Catherine mentioned that the Board are looking at new formats for a showcase weekend, and various views and ideas were discussed
.
A further photographic resource of venues is available at:
Our Meetings & Fam Visits
