Eastern Branch

News

Welcome to the AGTO Eastern Branch – 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!

Branch Information

The Eastern Branch welcomes enquiries from new group and experienced group organisers to our existing family of 53 members in the Branch which covers Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes, Norfolk, Suffolk and the London post code areas of London E, N and NW.

The Eastern Branch are always looking at new ways to get their members to network, sharing ideas for future group travel.

Important Notice

All Members, please advise the Membership Secretary if your email contact details have changed since you first joined the AGTO – this is most important for continued contact and Membership updates.

Committee Details

Catherine Skeggs – Chairman and Director

Jackie Ames – Secretary

Ian Thirkettle – Treasurer

Carlie Newman – Committee Member

Robert Coleman – Committee Member

Tony Wright – Official Branch Photographer/Branch Web Contact

AGTO - Eastern Branch on Facebook

For up to the minute news and views, visit us on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/EasternBranchAGTO

Branch News

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.

Following 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

The Branch had a FAM trip to Apsley House and The Wellington Arch on Thursday 18th July.

They were most welcoming and helpful, suppling us with a wheelchair and providing seats in every room of the tour.

We were only booked for a guided tour of Apsley House, but they provided a very informative tour of Wellington Arch as well by a very animated guide.. Although the website still said the lift was not working at the Wellington Arch, it had been repaired. The main lift went as far as the top floor, with steps up to the balcony viewing areas.

A wonderful trip.

After the English Heritage properties we walked past some of the memorials and crossed to the Hard Rock Cafe. The food was lovely. Unfortunately, when I asked if we could visit the vault I was informed it was closed due to staff sickness, but said we could visit another time.

We were still able to peruse the memorabilia around the restaurant and were also given a discount voucher to use in the shop as we had dined in the restaurant.

More photos from our visit can be seen at Apsley House and Wellington Arch, July 2024 | Flickr

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