Hi - I will not be on your trip as I am going in September but if you want to ask me how I got on then send me a message after 12th October via this site.
I went to Thailand with this company last November and they do look after everyone and meeting up at Heathrow in the Executive lounge does go a long way to break the ice. I was a bit silly and went into the lounge nearer the departure time as I was not sure what was there so only sat in it for a short time as I spent my time wandering around the airport on my own but everyone was very friendly and you get tea, coffee drinks etc . So don't be nervous and have a great time.