Any discussion of the circuit speaker brigade cannot fail to include that most prestigious of venues - the Bristol Reunion. This was apparently set up to "... mark the first European Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1971 …...", and it has been running ever since (according to its very own website, and which incidentally does as fine a job of blowing its own trumpet as ever we've seen. In fact God knows how the rest of AA might have managed without the Bristol Reunion that's all we can say!!). Over the years it has hosted such notables as Joe and Charlie (we quote again from the site: "...the incomparable Joe and Charlie and their Big Book Study, the most original, if not the greatest, thing to have happened to AA since the publication of the Big Book in 1939. Such great men and such a grand forum for not only Big Book Study but also for their terrific weekends which accomplished for hundreds of thousands of members the living link we all have with AA history" – Wowsa!! Who could possibly follow that! Well not us for sure!). This particularly engaging double act drew in the punters from far and near for their much-acclaimed Big Book Study, and who can blame them?.... The punters that is....After all it's a helluva lot easier to let someone else do your thinking for you isn't it? Anyways Joe finally shuffled off to that Great Saloon in the Sky and no one knows what happened to Charlie. Now here's a problem - who's going to fill the spot? The venue's booked, the cabaret is all set to go, the dancing girls are warming up in the wings but still no main speaker. Sure we've got the Big Book Thumpers launching into yet another resounding rendition of "We're all right and you're all wrong" with backing vocals from the "Vision for You Choir Eternal" giving it "LARGE" to all and sundry (whether they want to listen or not). But no main man, no head honcho, no enchilada beyond all compare! So what's to be done. The show must go on! But suddenly a flash of inspiration strikes! Someone (who must remain anonymous) suggests that they consult the archives and perhaps therein they will find the answer to this most perplexing of problems. A minion (some hapless sponsee no doubt!) is despatched post haste to bring the Holy Book from its dank depository located far beneath the city walls. After the passing of many hours he returns from his solemn quest, sweat dripping from his pale and terrified face, his hands shaking violently as he hands over the dust-covered and mildew-sodden tome to his masters, the words of prophesy soon to be revealed, or so they most earnestly hope! (Oh come on! Use your imagination!). Nervously the REUNITED ONES pore over the sacred words, the smell of desperation hanging heavily in air as they seek the WAY forth from their dreadful dilemma. All would seem lost or so it might appear! But what is this that reveals itself before their astounded eyes? Yay...the truth finally is disclosed. Lo! The blessed name. He who must be obeyed. The SECOND COMING!.. Yes....Yes... It's... It's... Clancy! The chosen one has at last been revealed to those of the faithful who have truly sought! Spurred on by this blessed revelation the brethren study eagerly the sacred texts desirous yet of further confirmation of his true calling, and surely enough before their astonished eyes is demonstrated indisputable testimony of his predestined calling. One from amongst their number reads aloud the holy words:
“1988 Clancy comes to Bristol”........ a long pause.....
“1994 Clancy Comes Back to the Reunion”...... a deep intake of breath......
“1998 Clancy at Bristol ‘The Miracle of a Changed Life’”..... sighs of relief
“2001 Reunion with Clancy ‘The Path Continues’”... now the way indeed is clear....
“2002 Reunion with Clancy ‘A Disease of Perception’” .... and then clearer still....
“2004 Bristol Reunion with Clancy” ...... Bliss! Oh bliss! (but here a petulant voice is heard to demand in the background: "Why not just call it the Clancy Reunion?" The malefactor is sternly admonished and falls silent once more)
"2005 Reunion with Clancy ‘Where do we go from Here?’" (the recalcitrant one offers a suggestion to this rhetorical question – one which cannot be repeated here - the heretic is cast from the room never to be seen again)
Yes the WAY is clear. The Blessed One has manifested himself before them time and time again but until now they have not had eyes to truly see! It is to him and to him alone that they all must turn in this hour of need. And so it came to be:
We kid you not!!
(Whatever did happen to Tradition 12. Ah well! Never mind! It wasn't that important after all!! It only applies to mere mortals doesn't it!!)
The Players:
Joe and Charlie are also credited with being the inspiring force behind the Dallas Primary Purpose movement - you remember them don't you? They're the ones who are so fond of presenting false stats on AA recovery rates and blaming everyone (and their uncle) for the so-called parlous state of AA today. Oh Cassandra wherefore are thou!!)
Clancy (or the Venerable C): Pacific Group guru and one time sponsor of Mike Q (he of Midtown groups fame). When it comes to "Disease of Perception" Clancy must surely be speaking from experience. His apparent minimisation of what was going on in the Midtown groups (when asked to comment on the situation) must surely rank as a classic symptom of this particular affliction!
See:
Washington Post
We'll be back!!!
Cheerio
The Fellas (
Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
