Adam Green - West End Outings
“I launched West End Outings in March 2022 having ran a small number of events for friends of the LGBTQ+ community during the pandemic.
18 months later, I’ve now hosted over 60 events to West End shows, social nights and historic experiences with a theatrical twist creating safe social spaces for people to make new friends and real connections in a time were many rely on apps and online platforms to
connect. Due to both the LGBTQ+ and
Theatre industry embracing my vision, I now have All Together and Over 50’s Events creating safe spaces for everyone.
I’m passionate about making theatre more accessible to everyone and allowing anyone to have people to go with rather than sitting alone and hopefully making it a bit cheaper too! My vision is the make the minority the majority and I look forward to 2024 with the diary already filling up with a diverse list of shows included so far.
I’m absolutely thrilled to be short listed for this award given our infancy in concept.”
Anne Barnes
“When Anne was nominated for the award she was the Secretary of the Comets, Metropolitan Police Sports and Social Association. Although Anne has retired from the Metropolitan Police, she will continue in her role as a group organiser with the 4th Sutton, Our Lady of the Rosary Brownie Unit, within Girlguiding UK.
Anne used the networking opportunities provided by London for Groups and the Association of Group Travel Organisers (AGTO) to identify new and exciting group
events such as climbing the Dome, Beefeater Gin Tours, Hotel Chocolat Bean to Bar experience, theatre trips etc.”
Beryl Edwards – Wayfairer
“I first got involved in group organising at work over 30 years ago doing theatre bookings, meals and day trips to France/Holland/Scotland. In my local neighbourhood there were a lot of single people without a social life so I helped set up the Wayfairer Group voluntarily. Since retiring I also organise a variety of events for another group as well. I love all the networking and get great pleasure seeing members get out and about enjoying themselves.”
Irene Moore – Irene’s Trips
“After many years of representing the Epsom & Ewell U3A, I have now become an independent group travel organiser.
I now run Irene’s Trips, have signed up 150 members, and have organised successful trips to The Old Bailey, Mamma Mia, Kynren and an upcoming trip for 52 people to Ireland.
I won the LFG Organising Member of the Year award in 2023.”
Jackie Ames - Unity 70
“I’ve been volunteering at Unity 70 since 1975 and took over organising the day trips and holidays in 1986. We’ve had some memorable events over the years, including hiring an entire train to go to Blackpool and see the lights, and having a rock made with the club’s name running through it!
We’re fewer in numbers these days, but still have many outings each year. 2023 included boat trips on four different rivers, steam trains, museums, cabaret
afternoons, a Halloween tour of the Spurs stadium, theatre visits, and several afternoon teas and lunches, to name a few, plus three UK holidays.
Based in North London, we’re lucky to have so much on our doorstep – 2024 has started with a visit to our local theatre for the panto, an afternoon tea with cabaret, and shortly we’re off to Potters for a weekend break.”
Patricia Crooks - Freemans Sports & Leisure Club
“For 37 years I’ve worked for Freemans Mail Order and I took full charge of Trip, Events and Holidays. Pre-covid I was organising 30 trips per year, long halls, weekends away, theatre productions once a month and family fun day trips, with group sizes up to 200 people. All of the work I do is voluntary, and I honestly can say I get a lot of satisfaction doing so, especially when the Clients, ask for more and more and recommend me to others.
I’ve recently been asked to take care of the retired staff and other groups, which keeps me very busy considering that I have an incurable health condition, it takes away my own feelings and concentrate on others…”
Shirley Ward - Shirley Tours
“I first started organising coach trips 1982. I was nicknamed “Shirley Tours” and the name stuck. Since then it progressed from a few day trips a year to up to 20 day trips a year, plus holidays abroad, theatre trips and a cruise planned for this year.
In May 2006 I was awarded The Mayor’s award for fundraising, and in June 2015 I was awarded the British Empire Medal for voluntary services in the community and I was lucky enough to be invited to the Queens Garden Party.
I have raised £110,176.10 since I started running Shirley Tours in 1982. This is shared by 3 schools, scout group and local church.
Also raised the sum of £23,084.86 for Lymphoma Association since 2014 with family and friends events.
I wish to thank AGTO Associate members, and local Community who have donated raffle prizes and joined me on my trips to fund raise this amount.”