Road to Recovery (Southampton) ... and then Plymouth

We've received information that the Southampton Road to Recovery group ceased to exist as of July this year and has been replaced by the Hedge End group (AA). Thus far the demise of the cult group has been attributed to a general dissatisfaction with the repetitive nature of the chairs, these all being sourced apparently from "like-minded" groups and members ie. Roadies. It is asserted that R2R members no longer attend the meeting and the R2R name has been removed from inclusion in the local Where to Find (although we note that the name is still listed as such on the AA website meeting finder - as indeed, and we feel obliged to point this out here, is the Exeter Tuesday group). The precise accounting for this turn of events tends to vary though. On one hand it is presented simply as a case of the group folding as a consequence of "personalities before principles" then to be replaced by the aforementioned group and a new format - an AA format. Alternatively, and perhaps even more excitingly, it has also been suggested that something of a coup d'etat took place with the changeover occurring when some of "principal members were in the San Antonio Convention", or a case of "when the cats away the mice will play". Either way we have been asked to remove the group's name from inclusion in our Cult: Where to Find (contrary to the belief held in some quarters cult groups for some reason don't like to be included there - we can't think why!). Currently the matter is under review and for the time being this group will remain on the list but with an appropriate note appended. If however other AA groups and members (if not the local intergroup) can confirm for us that this group has indeed abandoned its former affiliation with the Road to Recovery movement (and all its attendant evils ie. abusive and dogmatic sponsorship, misguided advice on prescribed medication etc - see site for the remainder) then we would be more than happy to remove this group completely from our listing, and wish them well in their future endeavours, that is in carrying the AA (not cult) message to the still suffering alcoholic.

PS We should like to point out here that although the aacultwatch team is composed mainly of rather easy going but occasionally bolshie alkies, and more inclined to give people the benefit of the doubt than not (now there's a surprise!) nevertheless we weren't born yesterday, nor do we have excessive quantities of moisture exuding from behind our aural cavities (ooooh we hear you say!). Or to put it another way if any cult group tries to re-brand itself (past, present or future) or otherwise play silly buggers with us (pardon our French!) then you will rapidly enough find your group back up on our Cult Where to Find prontissimo (or faster even than a cult sponsor sacking a recalcitrant sponsee - no surely!... Ye gods... nothing can move that fast we hear you say!! But oh yes most certainly!) and in big red letters to boot! - 'nuff said we think on that!!

And now to the R2R (cult) group in sunny Plymouth..... You didn't think we'd forgotten you did you!!

It seems that since the withdrawal of this group from Plymouth Intergroup things have not been going well for our little pointed headed friends. Firstly the virtual demise of the Great Pretender (otherwise known as Little Wayne or the incredible Shrinking man) has now culminated in his almost complete disappearance (but the less said on that the better). Moreover their attempts to form an intergroup have fallen by the wayside. However these setbacks have not stopped this motley crew from continuing to disrupt Intergroup business with their ex-Intergroup officers proving to be most recalcitrant in handing over documentation etc to the newly installed AA officers. Moreover it would seem - and this is entirely in keeping with their generally parasitic relationship with AA - their members are again seeking office in Plymouth Intergroup. Of course the old brigade of Batman and Robin (aka Jon F and Alexis K) are still churning out homilies for the group's digestion (together with an occasional contribution from the US (ie. the Venerable C from the Pacific Group)). But you remember dear old Jon and Alex don't you? Of course you do - those two chaps who decided to lecture the AA General Secretary in a most - how shall we say - vigorous fashion at Conference..... most disturbing and hardly what might be called “sober” conduct....Still always follow the cult motto: “Do as I say not as I do”. Nevertheless another 'up-and-comer' would seem to be the current acting GSR for the R2R (though GSR to what we cannot say) who indicated at the last Intergroup meeting that he would like to stand for the position of Vice Chair if he were nominated – only one small problem though – no one was prepared to nominated him – could there be a clue here?

Cheerio... for now

The Fellas

(our usual thanks to all contributors)