January 17-18, 2015 Marriott Hotel Northampton

A full house at the GTOA National AGM in Northampton

GTW spent the weekend in Northampton courtesy of the Group Travel Organisers Association (GTOA) for the first AGM/Networking Event of 2015, which took place at the Marriott Hotel Northampton.

Using a less direct mode of transport, GTW hopped aboard the X4 Stagecoach Gold from Peterborough Bus Station, with a 2hr 30minute journey passing such scenic destinations as Oundle, Corby and Kettering. Unbeknownst, Northampton had a newly renovated rail station, opened one week prior to arrival on January 12, 2015.

The Marriott Hotel Northampton is perhaps a little difficult to reach via public transport, but is ideal for coach tour access, located three miles from Junction 15 on the M1, with complimentary tea and coffee offered upon arrival.

GTW were allocated a deluxe double room, with personal touches including a petit block of Thornton’s chocolate embellished with the word ‘welcome.’ Dinner in the Delapre Room was certainly a delight, with the informal fish and chip supper transformed into a tantalizing ‘Taste of Britain’ spread, with delicacies served from each branch region.

The Marriott Hotel Northampton has 17 meeting rooms in total, to adequately accommodate 80+ guests.

The GTOA National AGM was held on Sunday, January 18, 2015, at 1100hrs, with new Board members Yvonne White, David Steele, Ellen Walker and John Bullock present. www.gtoa.co.uk