Within the Association for Group Travel Organisers ‘Kent’ is unique inasmuch as it’s contained within just one English county.
We currently have a branch membership of 60 covering a wide range of clubs and organisations – business communities, U3As, KentARA and other retirement groups, WIs, gardening, theatre and many more – some with comparatively small member numbers, others in excess of 300. Our aim is to ensure our members are kept fully informed of AGTO news, membership benefits and the assistance available to them both through the Association and our own branch membership network.
Kent branch holds meetings/events at least 4 times a year. These take place at suitable venues and attractions generally within the county, or within easy travelling distance. Attending these get-togethers provides insight into potential days out for our members’ individual groups.
Each starts with a 45 minute branch meeting. Members are always made welcome, given the opportunity to introduce themselves and speak about the type of outings their organisation arranges. Likewise, when Partner members attend they are invited to introduce themselves and share what their organisation has to offer GTOs. All members are welcome to bring a guest to our meetings, and everyone is invited to join in a general discussion session. Indeed, one of our key objectives is to share our experiences of day trips, short breaks and holidays, telling it how it was – the good, the bad and the ugly – together with advice on how to book and get the best out of your group’s visit.
All AGTO members, whether GTOs or Partners, are most welcome to join us at our advertised meetings, and an invitation is also open to any non-members to come along, bring a friend, and see for themselves what the Association has to offer Group Travel. Just contact our Chairman, Secretary or one of our Committee members for any further information you may need.
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Branch Chairman: David Steele – tel (07889) 936396; email associate-membership@agto.co.uk
Treasurer: Alison Holloway – tel (01797) 367067; email alisonehollway@hotmail.com
Secretary: Patricia Speakman – tel (01233) 665621; patriciaspeakman27@yahoo.com
Committee Member: Eileen Booker – tel (01227) 765917; email bookertrip@live.co.uk
Committee Member: Carol Gower – tel (01580) 712521; email cbaoutings@gmail.com
Committee Member: Linda Sharp – tel (07930) 357680; email ianjsharp49@aol.com
Committee Member: Jim Silvester – tel (01474) 704782; email jamessilvester600@msn.com
Board Director: David Steele – tel (07889) 936396; email associate-membership@agto.co.uk
Accounts Verification: Pam Freer
AGTO Magazine Co-ordination: Vacancy
To contact the Branch please email.
Recent Activity
2025 continues to be a busy and purposeful year for the branch …….
Having held our first meeting in April, at Fort Amherst, Chatham we got together again on June 2nd for our Summer meeting at Great Comp Gardens, tucked away at St Mary’s Platt, near Sevenoaks. This was attended (and much enjoyed) by over 30 members and guests. Our meeting, held in the delightfully quaint and compact Stables Theatre, was a lively one, with much participation by those in attendance. Newer members asking for ideas for trips to organise were given enthusiastic inspiration by the more established organisers present, with plenty of useful tips being shared, and notes being taken!
Then, an informative illustrated introduction to Great Comp was given by Andy Garland (trustee) when we learned how this 7 acre area of former open grassland was planned and laid out by a former owner about 50 years ago – so now nicely matured into the joy-to-behold garden Great Comp is today. Curator and Nurseryman, William Dyson, then led us on a tour of the site, sharing useful gardening tips as he guided us round!
A tasty buffet lunch awaited our return to the house, when many of us headed back out onto the terrace with filled plates, to relax and enjoy our lunches in these peaceful and pleasing surroundings.
Returning bigger and better for 2025, LONDON FOR GROUPS LIVE will take place on Tuesday 9th September – at a new, larger home, The Bloomsbury Ballroom! On the day, you will meet with venues across London who are eagerly awaiting to host your group. Including West End theatre productions, visitor attractions, museums, galleries, bars, restaurants and more. You will leave filled with new exciting ideas! As well as the exhibition, you’ll be able to take advantage of a full day ‘London Experience’ – with previous activities including free river cruises & attraction visits, tours of museums & galleries, and an evening at the theatre. Register to attend for free today at: www.LondonForGroupsLive.com
Our Kent branch Annual General Meeting will take place at Chatham Dockyard on Tuesday 23rd September. Further information by email. After the AGM, and refreshments, you will be free to join a tour of your choice from the two on offer, and then enjoy the remainder of the day enjoying all the facilities the Dockyard site has to offer visitors. Please add the date to your diary… your committee looks forward to seeing you there.
A Christmas lunch get-together is also being arranged. You will be notified of the date and the venue as soon as we have the details in place. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON!!
In the meanwhile, you should now have received your new Members’ Handbook, along with the Summer Edition of AGTO Traveller magazine, where you will find reports from members on their recent activities coupled with further inspiration for your future outings programme. ENJOY THE READ… and please consider sending the Editor a report on one of your own recent outings to share with other members. Contributions to be submitted by 8th August please.
