Suicide in Gerrards Cross

A recent email: 

“Hi love your site - don’t suppose you can tell me who runs it? Does it originate in Beaconsfield? I don’t like the cult meetings. Never been to Ealing but I've experienced Harefield Friday. I've met that Richard. He scares the shit out of me. He came to Uxbridge and told everyone they were sick. Said he wanted to take me through the book and help me recover. I'm sober in AA 34 years. What does he think I did in 79! I want to go to Bayham Road Ealing but I don’t know what to expect. Never met Happy Dennis. So I got the message you do the steps in 6 weeks then you have recovered - people like me are sick. Some lady involved with the idiots at Harefield committed suicide - jumped in front of a train at Gerrards Cross. I was sat next to her on Friday. She was dead on Saturday. That was 2 years ago. They where turning up at her house taking her to AA. She didn’t want to go. Was a good friend of mine. Someone tried all that with me in 77. It didn’t work. The cult took over South Harrow. Everyone left and it closed down. They had a look at Pinner but we are too strong for them. Thanks for the site. I read it every few days. Will you e mail me back. I don’t care you can print my e mail online if you want. Too many groups using the AA programme. Too many different interpretations of it. Thanks again. Keep up the good work ….....”

Our response: 

“Hi …...,

Thanks for the mail. We're glad you find the site useful. As for us we prefer to remain anonymous – there are far too many 'personalities' floating around AA as it is! But the site was started off by a few members in …... and then expanded from there. We've even gone international with contributions coming in from the US and Australia amongst others! But we're not exclusive - as far as we're concerned anyone is a member of the aacultwatch team who understands what we're about and supports us. Obviously some people are more active than others but we depend solely on information supplied by AAs to keep us up to date with what is going on in different areas (and countries). As for Happy Dennis not all the Bayham Rd meetings apparently are run by him. There have been a number of defections and some of the meetings have reverted to standard AA ie. relatively sane. But if you really want to see a show apparently the Sunday Bayham Rd meeting is where they all “jump for joy” …. rather you than us!

We don't believe we've heard about the suicide you mentioned but that's precisely the thing we're trying to ensure doesn't happen in the future. Certainly we'd be interested in any details that you are able to supply about that.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Cheerio

The Fellas”

(our edits)

Share Magazine – should it be renamed …... The Plymouth Express?

A member contacted us with regard to a recent issue of Share (spot the misspelling on the webpage!) magazine. In their perusal they had noted the predominance of contributions from the Plymouth area (usually from the local cult group: Plymouth Road to Recovery). This is not the first time that mention has been made of this phenomenon. Indeed Share magazine not infrequently resembles the official publication for that group so infested is it with the 'lack of experience, strength and hope' emanating principally from that source. Article after article from this cult group merely restates their central philosophy: get a sponsor and do what your sponsor says! No need to bother with all that God mumbo jumbo! A human power is the answer …. and make no mistake! However if you finally tire of the bland outpourings from Plymouth and find your 'psychic defences' crumbling under this avalanche of dross you can always take recourse in the ramblings of Happy Dennis (see blog for more). Now Happy Dennis is well known in the Ealing area of London. He is the founder of a series of meetings mostly based at the Centre for Independent Living, Bayham Rd. His sponsor is David “The Icon” C, a professional Roman Catholic and self-proclaimed aesthete based in the US (although formerly from the UK), and himself and ex-sponsee of David B (founder of the Joys of Recovery which itself has produced the Road to Recovery franchise ….. and so the incestuous circle is rendered complete!). But to return to the Happy One.... Dennis it would seem is straying more and more into the realms of total unreality. We thought he had reached his apogee in the Sunday meeting (at the above location) where the participants are exhorted literally to “jump for joy” at the end of the proceedings. But no... various pronouncements have now followed with respect to a number of alcoholism unrelated subjects including sex outside marriage, saunas and women, all of which seem to reflect some aspect of David “The Icon” C's rather extreme brand of Catholicism. Clearly 'fooling around' outside marriage is out of the question but one must wonder how the souls of our more distant ancestors are faring given that Roman Catholicism has only been around for the last couple of thousand years? Are we to take it that these ignorant unfortunates are condemned to do a 'bit of porridge' in purgatory to expunge thereby all traces of sinfulness from their souls or perhaps they are presently languishing in that hellish realm forever abandoned for merely doing what nature clearly intended? However given the present debate (and possible legislation) on same sex “marriage” we are eagerly looking forward not only to some pronouncement on the subject from the Vatican but also as to what David “The Icon” C (in his current manifestation as Dennis) has to say on these vexing questions! Any guesses? But when it comes to saunas it is obvious why such cautions have been issued. It is well known that these are the favoured resorts of those dreadful malefactors – THE HOMOSEXUALS – whose sole ambition in life is to seduce all innocents and lead them down the path of eternal damnation. Finally women …. well what more need be said? It was after all that awful hussy Eve whose fatal allure finally led us all to inhabit this vale of woe and misery. Mind you that Adam was a bit 'easy' wasn't he! All that for just a bite of an apple? Really? But such creatures fashioned thus from this flawed template should be avoided at all costs, and moreover without hesitation lest we too be cast down into the eternal pit! Etc etc blah blah blah...... and so it goes on and on and on ….ad infinitum.

So to return to Share..... Is it really that difficult to get contributions from the remainder of the fellowship? There are after all about 20,000 regular members of AA in Great Britain (but see *). Or is there something else going on here? When we previously contacted the magazine to ask for an explanation for their apparent bias towards this group (and indeed Happy Dennis) we were told that there was such a dearth of submissions that they had no other choice! We pointed out that we were aware of a number of articles sent in by members but which had subsequently never seen the light of day! What about these? Here we were pointed in the direction of the editorial policy which effectively rules out anything but the bland and 'politically' correct (even if this does only serve to mask a more insidious corruption!). But one only has to look at the I-Say forum hosted on the Grapevine site in the US to find out what AA members REALLY think about what's going on in their fellowship. Perhaps it's time for Share to grow up and follow their example. A more robust debate might serve to blow the cobwebs away and alert the fellowship to what's going on in their very midst? A little less censorship if you please!

Cheerio

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS The argument that a more lively debate necessarily leads to a weakening of unity …. We don't buy that for one minute! Indeed we believe the precise opposite! Obviously!

* Error - this figure refers only to a sample of groups.  See here

Ealing: Insights into some of the cult 'personalities'

“There are actually 2 brands or strains of the cult here. One is led by a man called Patrick who is sponsored by a Scottish old timer called Don who was a sponsee of David B and attended the Joys of Recovery in the old days before Vision[s] was established. The groups Patrick influences are much more toned down. They preach the 6 [suggestions] things and 14 defects version of step 4 etc, but it is not as "cult like" as the Vision[s]. However having said that, Patrick is getting worse and more extreme. He is mesmerized by Dennis and has swallowed the yarn about AA being less successful than it was because of the mainstream of AA adopting treatment centre ideas and not doing the steps properly.”

“Then we have our "Happy Dennis", who is, I think, still sponsored by David [Icons] C. His groups are off the Richter scale in happy talk. People are expected to jump up and down for joy after they say the serenity prayer. Also the last time I attended one of his groups, on Saturday morning at Bayham Road, Dennis was sharing that he was "supercalifragilisticexpialidociously happy" (!!!!) He also "jumps" every time he speaks to you, to show you how happy he is. From a distance it looks like he has a permanent bad case of hiccoughs. (!!!!)

Finally to Denis' execrable sponsor - the Icon. You mentioned his so-called "way of beauty" (a fascist concept if ever there was) . Have you seen his TV series [web show] ?? ...

He rubbishes modern art in a most ignorant way. And in the program about the art of other cultures he successfully insults Buddhism and Hindu art saying that he wouldn't have it in his house or even his garden, but would (mercifully!!) stop short or smashing it with a hammer!! Wow, how good of him! You really couldn't make up this level of arrogance. It reflects everything ….. regarding his prejudice against "eastern" art and philosophy and his obsession with extreme Catholicism. So sad he also pushes this puke-inducing garbage into the domain of AA !!”

An Ealing cult meeting:

“There were about 30 people present. On each chair there was a copy of a little yellow booklet (A6 size) of about 28 pages entitled " BIG BOOK QUOTES" and containing selected quotations from the Big Book taken from every chapter of the first 164 pages (main text) plus a few pages from the stories section of the book.....

 

The format of the meeting was that a passage from the Big Book was read out (on this occasion it was a few pages from Bill's Story) However I did notice that at least half of the meeting (which largely consisted of young men in their early days/years), were looking at and reading from the yellow BIG BOOK QUOTES rather than from a copy of our AA Big Book.

After the passage was read out, they were instructed by Dennis (aka "happy Dennis" or "Mad Dennis" depending on your perspective) to share according to his numbered selected quotes from his compilation of BIG BOOK QUOTES. This was to be their reference for sharing in the meeting. The format is explained in the little yellow booklet. The yellow book of course has been compiled and concocted by Mad Dennis himself. …..... And on the back cover, the website of our modern-and-pagan-art-iconoclast extreme Catholic friend David C........, …..... is advertised - apparently "we" find it a very good website to look at!! Who "we" are is not fully explained.

In addition to the yellow book of quotations there was a PINK CARD [Ealing cult meeting list] on the literature table. The literature table was not very well supplied with the full range of AA literature by the way.”

“Dennis F is a VERY self-willed and somewhat childish, yet charismatic individual. He uses very flamboyant and exaggerated language. He says things like "I'm very very very very very very happy... and I'm even more happy than that" etc. Then he giggles in a childish way. Ken Dodd is a good comparison, but not so benign. Dennis has no humility whatsoever. For him, humility is just a morning pose (kneeling posture) and then he gets up and dedicates himself to control and domination ...”

“The best comparison I can make about Dennis is he talks fast like someone hypermanic. He is always "happy" but I would call it mania more than happiness. It isn’t a sober happy anyway. He is an attention seeker and a control freak and has been since day one. His idea of humility is that you get on your knees - in other words humility is a pose or a posture not a modus operandi or an attitude. He giggles childishly and makes up doggerel "poetry" about being happy etc. He constantly misquotes the literature to suit his own ends. He is overbearing and domineering. He is a narcissist - he wants everyone to agree with him and to be a reflection of himself. In other words he is a typical cult guru with a personality disorder.......”

Comment: It's nice to know that AA is in such safe and SANE hands!

Cheerio

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS We have received some complaints about the Monday Step 3 7 and 11 meeting held at Richmond Bridge at 6.15pm (?)

Hampton Wick (Friday)/Detroit Joys of Recovery connection!

Well anyone who might doubt the cult is an international movement need look no further than the Hampton Wick (Friday) cult group and the Detroit Joys of Recovery offshoot. The word is that the current secretary (Hampton Wick) is a chap who goes by the name John C (and who is married to someone called Kristin). Now of course this all might be an enormous coincidence but then wasn't it a John and Kristin C who played 'mummy and daddy' to the Detroit gathering? Over the past few years we've had a number of complaints about this group and its activities – the usual stuff: directive and dogmatic (cascade style) sponsorship (and with group consciences that are not quite what they seem), anti-prescribed medication, “shunning” (if you don't toe the party line) and so on and so forth. It would seem that their “mission” is to bring the 'true word' back to the dear old motherland, and to which end they moved here a number of years ago. We wonder how they're getting on with Billy the Kid? How many top heavy egos can a group contain before the usual 'falling out” happens?

But then we shall see what we shall see won't we!

Cheerio

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS There is a now a new grouping at Bayham Road - BRAG - Bayham Road Amalgamated Groups (?) They have one steering committee for all 18 meetings. Apparently not all the meetings are cult although cult members have a large presence on the committee. It includes people from the 'Happy Dennis/Jim W (David C)' sponsorship line, and someone from Road to Recovery too! Thus the virus spreads!

Words of wisdom from Ealing! The oracle Happy Dennis speaks!

Quotes of the week:

"We cannot control anyone or anything, except our sponsees"

"We must give our sponsors respect! Respect!"

"Suicide? We don't use words like that. We jump for joy."

Happy Dennis apparently had his sponsees play football on Christmas day morning after their morning Bayham Road home group, and then they had to all sing Xmas carols as a group on West Ealing Broadway, wearing their red and white 'jump for joy' badges. And they had to do it, or they weren't going to any lengths and haven't got Step One.

Comment: We're lost for words! Utterly speechless! You really could NOT make this stuff up!

Cheerio

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

Ealing again!

Well it would seem that Tim W has been elected (?) to the job of responding to South Middlesex IG's letter of complaint (see below: 31/07/11 “CULT THUG BULLIES DISABLED PENSIONER OUT OF EALING MEETING” for another of Tim W's initiatives!). Presumably the Happy One has been sent to convalesce somewhere else (or indeed anywhere else!) whilst a more “reasoned” defence for the cult groups' conduct is advanced. It all looks very impressive. The traditions are cited, bits of AA literature are mentioned, group autonomy is alluded to (but of course leaving out that inconvenient second part). All very reasonable … and all less than candid. And so …....

4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.

and of course Tradition 3 (which is not mentioned at all in this disingenuous missive):

3. Our membership ought to include all who suffer from alcoholism. Hence we may refuse none who wish to recover. Nor ought A.A. membership ever depend upon money or conformity. Any two or three alcoholics gathered together for sobriety may call themselves an A.A. group, provided that, as a group, they have no other affiliation.

(our emphases)

The cult groups in Ealing were set up with absolutely no consultation with AA groups or intergroup, and with no regard whatsoever as to their impact on legitimate AA meetings. These groups produce (and promote) their own literature (in probable breach of AAWS copyright) and moreover circulate a version of the Where to Find which contains adverts for the cult website referred to in this “spokesman's” letter. We have in fact had ample opportunity to study this website and contrary to the assertions made in Tim W's response there is much in there which is NOT derived from the Big Book and other AA literature (ie. the section: Alcohol in Solid Form). Here a number of assertions are made about the employment of prescribed medication (specifically anti-depressants) in relation to mis-diagnosis (or otherwise) of a putative underlying condition (ie. alcoholism). None of these statements is made by anyone with any professional qualification, and in fact represent purely the opinions of the author. Apart from the questionable views expressed (and the misquotes from AA literature) what is of greater interest is the discrepancy between what is evident and what is “inferred”. This latter term is employed with great frequency in the course of Tim W's rebuttal. Naturally one might infer anything about anything – in its extreme form this might be termed “subjectivism” or even “solipsism” - or to put it another way – everything is open to interpretation. So for example some people might take the term “suggested” to mean:

1. To offer for consideration or action; propose.

2. To bring or call to mind by logic or association; evoke.
3. To make evident indirectly; intimate or imply.
4. To serve as or provide a motive for.

In the cult circles however the word assumes an entirely different guise - it is “inferred” as an imperative, and worse still something that may be imposed by one person upon another. Here we remind you of that central imperative about which all cult sponsorship revolves:

“Sponsor

It is suggested that you phone daily and do exactly what your sponsor tells you. If you don't have a sponsor, look upon every meeting you go to as a chance to find one.

NB If anything is unclear, ask your sponsor.”

(our emphasis).

(an excerpt from another cult website linked to the one cited above)

So although the position adopted by the cult groups is presented by Tim W as being quite reasonable and entirely in accord with the Traditions etc it is in fact far removed. This may be exemplified by contrasting what is currently included under the present 'redaction' of the aforementioned website with its previous version. This throws some light on the covert, intrusive and indeed voyeuristic (some might say perverted) tendencies of its authors.

Under the section Step Four “Sexual Conduct” the original version contained the following statement:

“In the inventory we should be prepared to include sex with: men, women, children, animals..... . and bottles”

This has now been edited out.

Now it might be “inferred” from the basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous that such matters should be included in the Step Four inventory. However we would assert that this is an inference that may not be drawn and on two fairly obvious grounds: legal and therapeutic. Two of the sex acts referred to would fall under criminal jurisdiction and if revealed to a “sponsor” would place both individuals at risk of prosecution; the “sponsee” for the criminal act itself, and the “sponsor” as an accessory should they fail to report the incident(s). These communications are not legally “privileged”. Therapeutically it does not require an enormous leap of the imagination to consider the impact that such revelations might have on both parties especially where the “sponsor” may not be trained to handle such disclosures.

We include this example here as indicative of the cult's underlying agenda in Great Britain and elsewhere (quite apart from their deliberate – and overt - manipulation of the Traditions to promote their objectives). The façade that is presented by Tim W et al is precisely that – a show of unity but one without any substance. The letter may sign off with the traditional “Yours in fellowship” but actions do in fact speak so much more eloquently than words......

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

(our thanks to our local reporter)

Update on Ealing: South Middlesex Intergroup's response

We quote:

 "This letter is addressed to everyone in South Middlesex Intergroup, particularly those who attend the Ealing A.A. meetings held at Bayham Road and the Green Man Lane Community Centre.

The South Middlesex Intergroup has received a letter from an adjacent Intergroup, who specifically complain about an Ealing A.A. meetings list, which promotes a non A.A. website. This website, which is available through www........ appears to give extremely dangerous advice to A.A. newcomers, suggesting that they should cease seeing psychiatrists and counsellors and stop taking prescribed medication for depression and associated illnesses, inferring that the 'Steps' will replace the drug treatment. This advice is a gross misrepresentation of A.A. practice and must cease forthwith.

Newcomers are in danger of interpreting the 'MESSAGE,' as given, to mean that they will not be able to participate in the 12 Step programme, unless they come off their medication and that as a consequence, may not be able to stay sober.

The promotion of this website breaches Guideline No.19 of the A.A. Service Handbook for Great Britain, which states: "There are no 'unofficial' A.A. Websites as such. The only websites which can truly be called A.A. websites, are those endorsed by an official A.A. body e.g. www.alcobolics-anonymous.org.uk.".

The "…......." website (as above) is not so endorsed.

Further concern has been expressed about member/s within these groups, who try to impose their personal views on a newcomer with detrimental effect.

We now ask that all individuals, particularly those involved with the Bayham Road and Green Man Lane Community Centre meetings, examine their consciences as to whether any aspect of this complaint is a reflection of their personal conduct and to ask themselves whether their actions breach any of the Traditions, set out below:

Tradition 1 talks about “our common welfare and A.A. unity."

Tradition 4 refers to the "autonomy of each group except in matters affecting other groups and [should be “or”] A.A. as a whole."

Tradition 6 suggests "An A.A. group ought never endorse an outside enterprise, lest we be diverted from our primary purpose."

Tradition 10 says "Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues, hence the A.A. name ought never to be drawn into public controversy.

It is helpful to us all to remember:

a) “as long as we recognise that religion is the province of the clergy and the practice of medicine is for doctors, we can helpfully cooperate with both."

(Bill W. Concept 12 warranty 5.)

b) "A good sponsor never tries to impose views on a newcomer, nor gives advice on medical, legal or work matter. We help the newcomer find an appropriate source of information"

(From Sponsorship: your questions answered / what will sponsors avoid doing.)

c) "A.A. does not .... Solicit members ... .... Follow up or try to control its members; make medical or psychological diagnosis or prognosis ..... provide domestic or vocational counselling .."

(From Members of the clergy asking about Alcoholics Anonymous …... What A.A. does not do.)

d) “On several occasions' I have had clients who were extremely suicidal and have sought professional help. Recently two clients threatened suicide and because A.A. members thought they knew more than the medical and psychological professions, the individuals almost died."

(Alcoholism Counsellor Printed in Grapevine May 1990.)

The content of this letter has been agreed by members of Alcoholics Anonymous who attended the South Middlesex Intergroup Meeting on Wednesday 31st August, 2011 and will be circulated. Copies will also be sent to S.S.0. Islington and G.S.O. York.”

Comment: For the background to this particular drama see website for coverage of the “Ealing Experiment”. Briefly this enterprise was born out of a desire on the part of a fellow named “Happy Dennis” (no we're not joking!) to emulate the so-called “New York” model of AA meetings (essentially this refers to a number of meetings all based at the same location but opening at different times on the same day). There is nothing particularly controversial here except for the fact that this “experiment” was also founded on another “model” ie. the “cult” version of the AA programme. The Visions cult (or Joys) was founded by David B (now deceased) in Great Britain in the late 70's/early 80's. Subsequent to David B's demise his “heir” David C took over the reins (after a bit of internal wrangling), and he has vigorously propagated the cult “message” ever since. He is a co-author of the above mentioned website and moreover (and quite coincidentally) sponsor to …. you guessed it..... Happy Dennis! David C is English by birth but currently residing in the US (although he still manages to direct operations in Ealing (and elsewhere) quite effectively even from afar!) (The WHOIS details for the site may be seen here. We will leave it to our readers to “join up the dots”). In its previous incarnation it was entitled miseryisoptional.org (a domain name now employed by quite another – and unrelated – organisation). It also links up with yet another cult website (directed specifically at newcomers) which coincidentally carries virtually identical registration details.

However - and not to forget “Happy Dennis” - ever since the “experiment” went a bit sour the “Pied Piper of Ealing” has fallen back on the “when the ordure hits the fan, do a runner and leave it to somebody else to clean up the mess” tactic...... a move which apparently is entirely in character. The rumour is that our loss is Ireland's gain! No doubt, though, and at some stage, he will return and make precisely the same mistakes again... and again.....and..... (Now remind us! What was that definition of “insanity” again?). But be in no doubt that the “brains” behind this outfit is David C and that the cult network goes way beyond Ealing (see our Cult: Where to Find). In the immediate area there are direct links between the Ealing “experiment” and the Ormond Road meeting (Tues) in Richmond, the Hampton Wick (Friday – Lower Teddington Rd) meetings, the Guildford Beginners meeting (Monday) (and where, we are reliably informed, another co-author of the website is in residence) and that members from the Bournemouth/Poole area are actively involved with the Sunday evening Bayham Road meeting. Apparently they are even more “fanatical” than Dennis!

South Middlesex IG are to be commended on the action they have taken so far. However there is one quite glaring omission to their cited list of Traditions ie. Tradition Three. We quote (long form):

3. Our membership ought to include all who suffer from alcoholism. Hence we may refuse none who wish to recover. Nor ought A.A. membership ever depend upon money or conformity. Any two or three alcoholics gathered together for sobriety may call themselves an A.A. group, provided that, as a group, they have no other affiliation.

(our emphasis).

These groups have overtly affiliated themselves with an outside organisation. Therefore (and according to this criterion alone) these groups may NOT call themselves AA groups.

Moreover now that South Middlesex IG has taken the action it has (and which it will hopefully follow through on) what about the adjacent intergroups who themselves currently host cult groups in their respective areas eg. South West London? These also avail themselves of the above mentioned information provided by this “outside enterprise” (albeit covertly) employing prompt sheets (directly copied from the website) which are then presented to newcomers in their meetings as the authentic AA message. Or perhaps it will be another case of “look the other way”, or perhaps until yet another newcomer dies because they've been told to “throw away” their prescribed medication (see DRA site: Medications and Recovery)

On a lighter note the aacultwatch site has been labelled as most unsuitable reading for newcomers in the cult groups, and we are BANNED by the High Command! Moreover the whole website has been dismissed as merely 'a resentment' according to these same sources! Their hope is that we're just going to fade away........ Dream on! Just dream on!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

(our thanks to our reporter for the info)

More on the cult "network" - Richmond, Tolworth ....

"Thank you for your reply,

John B does indeed attend Hampton Wick and he was one of the founders of the Richmond meeting along with a chap called Donald (who was sponsored by David B) and a few others. From my memory I remember Hampton Wick was opened on Kingston Hill shortly after the Richmond meeting was formed in 1997 or 1998. Another meeting was formed from the Richmond meeting: Tolworth Newcomers - a Thursday night meeting with printed literature cards containing 'the six suggestions' displayed on the top table where the secretary and chair sit. They also used to attend a restaurant after the meeting but they opted to have a food buffet in the hall after the meeting instead. Also, most worryingly, you are assigned a sponsor at this meeting. If you are new you have your number extracted from you and then told who your sponsor is going to be. When I was new to AA over 20 years ago I had great difficulty in saying no, so I can imagine how newcomers feel at this "newcomers" meeting.

I am personally fairly familiar with the Ealing meetings myself. What's been going on is Happy Dennis has made there be four meetings a day in Ealing, most of them being at either Bayham Road or Green Man Lane. Unfortunately some long-standing AA meetings have been dwindling and thinning-out to the point of closing as a result of an earlier meeting opening round the corner. Keep an eye on the Northfields meeting on Sunday morning; this meeting is a long-standing AA meeting, or should I say 'was', but it seems to be getting taken over by various sponsees of the Ealing brigade.

Keep an eye out for a guy called Richard E; he is the one who started the cult within CA and is famous (or infamous) in AA among West and South-West London. He is exactly like David B (I met David B on several occasions); when he attends AA meetings (which is uncommon now as he mainly does CA), he introduces himself as a 'recovered' alcoholic and then proceeds to tell the meeting that they're doing it wrong. He sponsors many individuals at once, and they are taken through the steps and begin sponsoring others after around four weeks of sobriety. Many of them relapse. He will point out to his sponsees who in the meeting is and is not alcoholic. He elects himself to sponsor others (i.e. "I will be your sponsor"). Every sponsee of his is required to attend a 'Big Book Study' at his house, where all he does is gets them to highlight the parts of the Big Book which he thinks are relevant (although he doesn't highlight the bit in The Family afterward which says "Now about health..." or the part in Working with Others that talks about not rushing the newcomer). He brainwashes his sponsees with the '3% recovery rate' (or is it 2%? I think he changes it each time), and as a result, his sponsees all attend meetings with chips on their shoulders and share that everyone else is doing it wrong, or 'not really an alcoholic'. His sponsees are not allowed to attend NA meetings, and the only AA meeting they are allowed to attend seems to be Hampton Wick Friday. He tells everyone (not just his sponsees) that they should not take medication. One of his sponsees was secretary at the Saturday morning meeting at Bayham Road and one time when I was there he shared "my sponsor told me what to do, he told me which meetings to go to and he told me how to recover" (does that sound like an oxymoron?). You people of aacultwatch would probably assume this is cult standard, but what worries me is that I was talking to one of Richard's sponsees after a meeting the other week in Ealing and he was telling me how Richard called him and said "pick me up and give me a lift into Kingston", and when the sponsee said he was busy, Richard apparently responded "I am your sponsor. You will give me a lift to Kingston". If there's anything that makes me think of a cult it's this; not only is controlling what people do in AA he's controlling what they do outside AA. There is unfortunately a lot of contempt towards him in the Richmond/Twickenham/Teddington area - an area that is otherwise harmonious within AA, with a wide fellowship.

Sorry I've waffled, but I thought it would be of interest, seeing as there wasn't any mention of Richard on the site. Some individuals have stood up to him, but most people shrug it off and say "I can only keep my side of the street clean".

Glad to be of service. May it continue.

... [name omitted]"

(our thanks again to this contributor)

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

And so we return to Happy Clappy Land – The Heart of Darkness

In our previous piece (somewhat ironic) we focussed our attention rather on the bizarre nature of this particular conclave. Now we come to the seamier and more sinister side of events currently unfolding in Happy Clappy Land (aka Ealing - West London), these conducted under the direction of its very own “Pied Piper” (aka Happy Dennis), a fellow who seems determined to break the record for launching as many meetings as possible (and in the shortest space of time) in order to spread the “word”. Of course we might commend his efforts if “the word” happened to coincide in some way with the AA message, but unfortunately the antecedents of this particular version derive rather from cult sources than anything to do with Alcoholics Anonymous. Like so many other cult groups (Design for Living - Wimbledon/Newbury, Road to Recovery - Plymouth, Dallas Primary Purpose and other so-called Back to Basics inventions etc) it has produced its very own literature including a booklet which contains large numbers of quotes from the Big Book. Whole sections of this publication have been lifted from the original and transplanted into the 'revised' version, and to such an extent that we believe that this would constitute a breach of copyright if derived from any other edition of the book “Alcoholics Anonymous” than the first. Moreover reference is made in this tome to a website set up by David “The Icon” C, (a former sponsee of David B, the initiator of the whole Road to Recovery movement and its various incarnations). Dennis himself is a sponsee of the aforementioned “Icon” and thus the lineage - and the corruption it propagates – proceeds; but we will come back to this a little later. As is customary the usual misquotes are included within the “Preface” to the “Little Yellow Book” (as we shall refer to it), and most specifically with regard to AA recovery rates. However this is only to be expected because the misrepresentation itself serves largely as the basis for the whole cult movement, and thereafter supports its fabricated claims to present the 'true' and 'unsullied' version of both the programme and fellowship of AA. With much wringing of hands, gnashing of teeth, rending of clothes and other dramatic expressions of doom the cult have prophesied the imminent demise of AA for a number of years now, the end being declared well and truly “nigh” repeatedly, and for a variety of reasons (including the above). These include the unwelcome intrusion of “treatment centre” referrals (who apparently have been responsible for turning AA meetings into “therapy groups” - who would think it!), addicts who are not “true” or “real” alcoholics ie. drunks who turn out not to be “proper” drunks (according to the self-appointed committee who decide on these matters), those who fail to shape their recovery according to Oxford Groups' principles (the Four Absolutes, praying etc (on knees – and using Christian prayers), and finally a widespread unwillingness to “behave” just like they did in the good old days when alcoholics were alcoholics and all was right with the world! Unfortunately for these prophets of doom AA has not only failed to collapse under the weight of this mass of apostasy but has instead thrived, sustaining its initial – and documented - recovery rates (see here for article), and has become even more inclusive and liberal than ever before, largely abandoning moreover the ill-judged experiments of the past. Our predecessors may well be excused some of their excesses on the grounds that they were the pioneers, and trod an unknown territory (at this stage our own traditions had not been formulated as a response to these early 'failed experiments'). However, as AA itself has evolved and flourished, the programme (as outlined in the Big Book) remains the same as when it was first formulated (presented in the 1st edition with prior drafts being abandoned, these being adjudged (quite rightly) as either inaccurate and/or unsuited to our purpose). However the cult can offer no such plea of mitigation for their obscene conduct, and moreover their obtuse insistence that AA should return to this supposed “golden age” - and thereby repeat the same mistakes - can only be regarded as a form of madness (remember that old definition of insanity!) derived mainly from the corruption laying deeply embedded within their own twisted psyches (or untreated alcoholism as it is termed within our society). Certainly when you come to examine the "make-up" of a lot of their 'leaders” it quickly becomes evident that these are badly damaged individuals who remain quite unwilling to attend to their own deficiencies, and would much rather focus on the supposed defects of others (hence the general tendency towards 'control freakery' within their sponsorship system - or as we term it “sponsorship idolatry”). This brings us back to our original theme: Happy Dennis and his perhaps not-so-happy cohorts. We have received reports that an “anti-medication” policy has been adopted by this group. We quote: “ [they] may as well drink again than take anti-depressants". This, of course, is the kind of irresponsible advice that has already led to a number of AA members being hospitalised (and in some instances committing suicide), and is completely contrary to the guidelines circulated so widely within our fellowship. We have also been informed that the now quite infamous and appalling guidance in relation to Step Four has been circulating within the Ealing meetings. Again we quote: “In the inventory we should be prepared to include sex with: men, women, children, animals.... and bottles. Sometimes the exact nature of the sexual act (particular positions indulged in, for example) should go down if the motive in indulging in it is primarily selfish gratification rather than an expression of love.” This section can really only be described as a voyeur's charter (with paedophile tendencies!) and is indeed a complete perversion of the AA message, and then at every level! The website which used to carry this information (now deleted) was produced by David “The Icon” C, and is alluded to in the aforementioned cult literature. Moreover it has been suggested that the initial financing of the Ealing groups derives mainly from one source – Happy Dennis himself – remember - he who pays the piper calls the tune! Finally “The Little Yellow Book” contains a listing of his meetings (contrary to the wishes of the local intergroup) and is clearly intended to promote his, and only his interests. All of these events seem to be centred around premises located at Bayham Rd (the same address as for the Ealing Centre for Independent Living, 1 Bayham Road, West Ealing, W13 0TQ]. We wonder if they know about any of this?

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

Infestation in Ealing (West London)

We have received a number of detailed complaints about the activities of these groups (all based at the same address: Ealing Centre for Independent Living, 1 Bayham Road, West Ealing, W13 0TQ) and their association with the cult. All these groups come under South Middlesex Intergroup, London Region (North). Comments for and against welcome as usual.

EALING: AM REFLECTIONS
Time: 07.30
Full wheelchair access.
All mtgs 'open'
Wednesday
1 Bayham Rd
W13

EALING: HEALTHY FEELING IN EALING
Time: 07.30
All mtgs 'open'
Tuesday
1 Bayham Rd

EALING: RADIANT FEELING IN EALING
Time: 07.30
All mtgs 'open'
Thursday
1 Bayham Rd

EALING: SPONSORED WALKS
Time: 08.45
All mtgs 'open'
Sunday
1 Bayham Rd

EALING: STEP & TRADITION
Time: 19.00
All mtgs 'open'
Sunday
1 Bayham Rd

WEST EALING
Time: 07.30
All mtgs 'open'
Friday
1 Bayham Rd

WEST EALING
Time: 13.30
All mtgs 'open'
Saturday
1 Bayham Rd

WEST EALING
Time: 13.30
All mtgs 'open'
Sunday
1 Bayham Rd

WEST EALING: A VISION FOR YOU
Time: 18.00
All mtgs 'open'
Monday
1 Bayham Rd

WEST EALING: GREAT FEELING IN EALING
Time: 07.30
All mtgs 'open'
Monday
1 Bayham Rd

WEST EALING: GROWING & GLOWING
Time: 18.00
All mtgs 'open'
Saturday
1 Bayham Rd

WEST EALING: HAPPY, JOYOUS & FREE
Time: 18.00
All mtgs 'open'
Thursday
1 Bayham Rd

WEST EALING: WONDERFUL FEELING IN EALING
Time: 09.00
All mtgs 'open'
Saturday
1 Bayham Rd

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

Potential candidates for our Cult: Where to Find

We have received complaints about the following groups from a number of sources over the last few months. As usual always happy to hear views for and against.

Apparently the “Design for Living” franchise is opening up another branch in Newbury, Berkshire. This group is using the Wimbledon Template so presumably it will carry the same disclaimer: “The Design for Living AA Group.co.uk has neither been approved or endorsed by and is not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. or any AA Service entity of any country” – so the question is: is it or isn't it an AA group? We think not! Whatever the case no doubt the newcomer will be faced with a table load of home-grown wisdom (non-conference approved literature, CDs etc) together with plenty of suggestions to help them along their way to utter confusion.

Next we have received a series of complaints about a cluster of groups in the Ealing area that would seem to be associated with the Visions gang. These are based at Bayham Road and bear all the hallmarks of a cult group. Slogans, literature, prompt cards etc are produced in prodigious quantities (none of which are conference approved nor indeed is this fact indicated on the “packaging”). Apparently the “personality” running these meetings has taken the “Misery is Optional” slogan one step further; even Pain is Optional now. Someone had better alert the British Medical Association – their services will no longer be required! The “lynch pin” of the group also (so it is suggested) has a regular slot in Share magazine. The publication must be in bad shape indeed to accept submissions from such sources!

We have also been notified of two more meetings carrying the Primary Purpose message (as opposed to the AA message). One of these is based in Loughton Essex, the other in Hertford. We drew to the attention of one of the supporters of these groups the article on the Primary Purpose movement (both here and in the US) together with an analysis of AA recovery rates (about which the PP movement knows little but has much to say!), both of which are presented under the Links section of our website. We received our usual reply: a deafening silence! This is an honest enough response since actually there is NO answer to these devastating analyses of the cult.

Finally, and perhaps more seriously (given the content of an email attachment which we received - see below), we have through our researches discovered that the Hampton Wick (Friday meetings - previously Kingston Hill) group also have connections with the cult, and the following document was sent to us which is said to emanate from there. (Click here). Interestingly precisely the same set of “suggestions” cropped up about three years ago in association with a cult group in North London. Put simply it is a “voyeur's charter” (and with paedophiliac tendencies). Hardly a coincidence!

Over to you

Cheers

The Fellas