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: kentinfo@agto.co.uk
Recent Activity
The 2026 AGTO Showcase Weekend took place in Leicester 27th February – 1st March. These annual events provide a great opportunity to mix business with pleasure! The hotel suited our needs very well, and everyone enjoyed whichever fam visit they decided to join on Saturday afternoon, with GTOs having the additional bonus of a trip to Belvoir Castle on Sunday afternoon which was also much appreciated. I hear that the Spring edition of AGTO Traveller magazine is due to be shared imminently. Doubtless you will enjoy reading the full report of the weekend and browsing the photographs.
Kent Region invited KentARA travel organisers to a joint get-together held at the Criterion Theatre, Blue Town, Sheerness on 10th March. All places made available to us were quickly snapped up. The day started with an introduction to the building and it’s history by owner, Jenny Hurkett, followed by free time to wander the museum’s array of beautifully laid out exhibits, then a sausage and chip lunch which was followed by two hours of hilarious entertainment on a St Patrick’s Day theme! If you don’t know it already do look up their website – it’s a great venue for visits by groups of all mobilities!
You should have received your invitation to the next Kent Region meeting. This will take place at Canterbury Cathedral on Thursday May 7th. Speak to our Secretary Patricia Speakman if you haven’t yet heard…..
Not many weeks after – on Tuesday, June 23rd – our Summer meeting will take place at the Powell-Cotton Museum, which is at Quex Park and Gardens, Birchington. Please add the date to your diary now and await your further info/invitation.
Looking ahead the Kent Region AGM will be held at prestigious Leeds Castle, just to the east of Maidstone, on Thursday, 1st October. Our day will also include lunch and time to explore the castle and its lovely grounds.
Please watch the diary page in AGTO Traveller magazine which will share details of other events, including meetings held in other Regions which you are invited to attend if you wish.
