Northdown Intergroup? – a case of split PERSONALITIES perhaps!

We received an interesting communication from down Winchester way. It would seem that yet another personality driven event is on the horizon, and this apparently “sponsored” by Northdown Intergroup (not sure which one we're dealing with here - there seems to be two of them!). But firstly the cult event. This particular “hoe down” - or more likely “shake down” - is advertised by a website (itself covered with AA logos and quotes), and citing the event as being sponsored by the aforementioned Intergroup. It's a weekend “do” with a couple of imports from “over the pond” blazoned across the home page of the site. £20 will get you whatever these two have to offer – it must be good to if they've had to travel all that way – and dodging volcanic dust clouds as well – now there's “any lengths” for you!!

Our correspondent comments:

“Here’s another AA Group hot for USA imports. At £20 for attending a Cathedral I’d want a foot massage as well. Just how do they get away with stiffing people £20 to attend a church....note no ‘ day registrations ‘. ?

http://www.......

I confess I went last year ( it was a £10) . I thought the American speaker ‘ Burns ‘, with a perverse interest in his genealogy and alcoholism, would NEVER shut up; nigh on drove me screaming from the Cathedral.

It was well attended in 2009, I wonder where the money goes ?

Kind Regards

...”

The reason why we're not sure which - if any - Intergroup? we're dealing with here is that on consulting the Northdown Intergroup website (via the official AA website) we came across the Winchester “shindig” advertised under the Diary Dates section, and then the regular Intergroup Convention displayed under a separate tab (but not included under Diary Dates for some unknown reason – maybe it's not worth a mention?). In terms of value for money however the regular convention comes out well ahead at well under half the price by comparison (and proportionally) with the “marketing exercise” being held in Winchester – plus not a personality in sight!!

As usual it would be simpler to list the Traditions which ARE followed here than those that ARE NOT – the notable breaches are those of course relating to “personalities”, “affiliation”, and improper accounting methods (especially in relation to the separation of funds relating to Al-Anon and Alateen participation). But then this is not an AA event is it? So no need to bother with such troublesome considerations! But what the hell!! If there's a fast buck to be made then who are we to stand in the way of PROGRESS! And they do say there's one born every day....

Cheerio

The Fellas

(Our customary thanks to the AA member for their contribution)