Pat Lake – Chairman and Board Director
Anne Barnes – Treasurer
Jackie Ring – Secretary
Gwen Wright – Committee Member
The AGTO Southern Branch covers an area to the south and west of London to the south coast. We hold four meetings a year at different venues throughout our region, plus some fam visits which can be outside of the area. These are a useful opportunity to visit a venue with a view to returning with our groups, but also the chance to network with other GTOs to discuss relevant issues or concerns, such as legal issues and insurance, and also to exchange ideas and recommendations for visits and trips. We have about 100 members, many of whom are active in arranging a variety of group events, such as days out, short trips and longer holidays both in the UK and overseas.
Southern Branch AGM 2021
Our AGM at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge on Friday 22nd October was well attended with just over 30 members and guests. We were very pleased that Wendy Hartley-Scarff, AGTO’s CEO, joined us for the meeting. She explained more about AGTO, how it operates and supports its members, and answered questions. Brooklands Museum were extremely welcoming – after our meeting in the Bluebird Room, we enjoyed a delicious lunch, ‘flights’ on Concorde and a tour around the cars. There is much to see and do at the museum, plus they also arrange special events, such as themed Italian, Vintage and 40’s days.
Branch Meetings
We held our first face-to-face Branch Meeting in about 18 months at Painshill Park, in Surrey. It was good to meet everyone again after such a long time, and catch up with each other’s news and plans. The meeting was followed by a guided tour of the beautifully landscaped 18th century garden, with its lake, grotto and follies. Painshill hold special events during the year, such as music concerts and plays, ideal for groups, and especially for those who may prefer to continue being outside.
Now that venues are starting to re-open again we are currently re-arranging our postponed meetings as well as new ones – our next meeting will be at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, date to be advised. Details of meetings will be emailed to members and posted in the Members’ Area as soon as they are available.
For more details please contact Jackie Ring, Southern Branch Secretary, on 01483 824450 or ring_jackie@yahoo.co.uk
