Group outings that feel like one big family holiday

Tell us about the people in your group

We are all over 60, our oldest is 92. Over the years we have become a holiday family – I have become very attached to my group through all the joys they share and the difficulties they face. They are a truly inspirational group of people, with a remarkable enthusiasm for life. I love to hear the chatter among the group and the friendships they have made.

How has the group evolved?

My mum did one turkey and tinsel trip for about three or four years. Then she became poorly so couldn’t do it and at her 80th birthday party, some of the people suggested that I should do it. I gave in and said we’ll try it once to see how it goes and I just loved it. Then people were asking to go to Eastbourne the following year. I’ve still got some of the original members in the group.

How do you decide on destinations for your group and where do you find relevant information?

We do get suggestions from our group and then I’ll check them out in terms of accessibility and everything. No matter what is suggested, the group welcome the ideas with excitement and count down to each trip.

Where are the most popular destinations for your group and why?

We absolutely love Cromer, Eastbourne and Bridlington – they are some of our favourite places to visit. They are very nice and easy to get around. We have done the Birmingham Tattoo several times as well as garden visits, museums, theatre trips and canal boat horse drawn trips.

What skills and qualities are most important in your role as a group travel organiser?

Just to be there, listen and keep calm if anything untoward happens, which it does from time to time. I like to think we are inclusive within our group, we try to include everyone. Planning and timing are essential. Having a back-up plan is always useful if the weather goes against our plans and then we have something else to work with.

How often do you introduce something completely new?

We tend to do the rounds because there are certain places that the group absolutely love. We went to Cromer in Norfolk earlier this year and we’ve been there three or four times but each year I try to add something completely new in. Last year we went to Belfast, the year before was southern Ireland. We try to break it up, we tend to go north, south, east, west. We’ve got the Isle of Man coming up and we’ve been to the Isle of Wight before.

How long do you spend on organising?

Some days, the phone never stops ringing – it depends where you’re at in the organising cycle. It doesn’t overwhelm my life but it’s a lovely big part of my life. I couldn’t do without my husband Steve; he helps lots of members who need a bit of help with luggage and things. He double-checks paperwork and tickets etc.

How do you promote your trips?

I daren’t! I’ve had a waiting list on all of the trips for this year which is phenomenal. I probably hand out about 30 lists of where we can go, and what we can do – and from that, the coach is full and I have a waiting list.

Could you share one of the most memorable trips you’ve done?

We had a gentleman in his 90s and we went to the National Memorial Arboretum (now the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens) to visit a memorial to the Battle of Monte Cassino. He was in that battle, and it was such an emotional day.

What do you get out of being a GTO?

I love the banter and the friendships – members of the group meet up for coffee and lunches together which is so lovely. I’ve got a drawer full of thank you cards from members, some of them bring tears to my eyes. They just think it’s wonderful but I think they’re wonderful.