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
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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
Eastern Region has changed its Bank
We have moved our Region’s bank account to Metro Bank. If you need to make a payment please contact Jacqueline Ames (jacames@hotmail.com) or Catherine Skeggs (contact@invitation2events.co.uk) for payment details.
Upcoming Events
Vintage Bus and Steam Railway Excursion
An exciting FAM Trip with Eastern Region AGTO on the Epping and Ongar Railway on Wednesday 30th July 2025
Eastern Region member Peter Garner has very kindly organised an exciting FAM trip for us all, in conjunction with the Epping and Ongar Railway.
The day starts at Shenfield Station at 10.50 am (Elizabeth Line and Greater Anglia Rail services) where a number 339 vintage bus will pick us up, The bus is normally an RM or RT and is operated by the London Bus company.
From there we’ll travel to Ongar station, where we’ll board a steam train, for a trip along the tracks passing Blake Hall station and arriving at North Weald station.
You’ll have time to purchase a snack here, and to browse their small selection of souvenirs, before embarking on the next part of the trip.
Suitably fed and watered we’ll board the DMU train, and firstly go into Epping Forest (you cannot get off the train here, no platform) and then back to North Weald. The DMU then departs in the other direction, for Ongar station.
At Ongar, we will again board the 339 bus for the return journey to Shenfield, arriving just after 3pm
The charge for AGTO members is £5 (includes a tea or coffee at North Weald station) and for a guest (maximum one per member) the charge is £10 (including a tea or coffee).
Please note, that as the buses are vintage ones, they are only able to carry folded wheelchairs, they are not fully accessible.
If you would like to join us, please email Jacqueline Ames (jacames@hotmail.com) or Catherine Skeggs (contact@invitation2events.co.uk)
Eastern Region Trip to Richmond Theatre!
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts at the Richmond Theatre, London
Thursday, 18 September 2025 at 2.30pm
The price is £45.50 per ticket for members and guests
Booking and Payment must be made by 2nd June 2025
In September we will be going to the theatre. We have a group booking for Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts at the Richmond Theatre.
This play marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the iconic detective. ITV’s long-running Inspector Morse, hailed by Radio Times as ‘The greatest British crime series of all time’, has inspired equally beloved spin-offs, Lewis and Endeavour. Starring Tom Chambers (Father Brown, Strictly Come Dancing) as Inspector Morse, this original story written for the stage is a must-see for fans of compelling detective stories and thrilling mysteries.
If you would like to join us, please email Jacqueline Ames (jacames@hotmail.com) or Catherine Skeggs (contact@invitation2events.co.uk)
News Archive
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 All Hallows by the Tower, March 2024 | Flickr
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
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Temple of Mithras and St Stephen Church, Walbrook
1st November 2023 was our first networking event hosted by Robert Coleman in the Cannon Street area.
More photos from our visit can be seen at London Mithraeum and St Stephen Walbrook November 2023 | Flickr
Visit to Kensington Palace to see the Crown to Couture Exhibition
More photos from our visit can be seen at Kensington Palace – Crown to Couture, June 2023 | Flickr
A further photographic resource of venues is available at:
Our Meetings & Fam Visits
