The Bristol Reunion …. ad infinitum....

“An AA member writes in connection with some comments on the use of the Lord's Prayer in AA meetings appearing in the aacultwatch forum (see also here): 

“The Newcomers group in Bristol uses the Lord’s prayer to close its three weekly meetings. The group is also responsible for organising the Bristol Reunion and the prayer is used at these gatherings. Paul M., a Bristol member wrote a pamphlet some years ago which justified the use of the prayer in an A.A. context and until recently the Newcomers group were not alone in using the prayer but I am not aware what the situation is now.

At a meeting 10 or so years ago I heard an old-timer complain about the additions at the end of the Serenity Prayer (keep coming back etc. ) by saying .... ‘ It’s a prayer not an invitation to a dance’ which I thought was rather witty.”

We also note that the Bristol Reunion continues to flog its dubious wares in the form of yet another personality 'fest': their so-called 'Big Book study' (no longer hosted by Joe and Charlie but presumably filled with all the usual omissions), and featuring this, that and another AA 'expert'. Fortunately the official AA website no longer carries adverts for these events (presumably having just rediscovered tradition 12) although their recognition of this seems rather patchy with a link included on the site for a convention featuring yet another list of AA 'personalities' with – guess who - topping the bill? Yep it's Clancy from the Pacific Group who will no doubt be flexing his already bloated ego in customary fashion. Cult groups such as these tend to favour such an approach. After all their whole ethos is based around the 'omnipotent and omniscient' SPONSOR, the 'ultimate' personality! Who needs God (or any kind of non-human power) when you can just ring up the oracle! Remember also, according to the cult, you must ALWAYS do “exactly what your sponsor says”! (or doubtless 'divine' retribution will shortly follow!)

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

Bristol Reunion?

We quote: 

“AA Reunion in Bristol, October: For reasons we do not understand or accept, our local service structure, for the first time in years, is not supporting the Reunion notice in 'Share' magazine this year. As in every year, a big commitment has been made to a beautiful venue in the centre of Bristol in order to have the annual reunion of those who attended the First European Convention held in Bristol in 1971. Since then the annual Reunion has continued to hold the traditional big speaker meetings (as in the 1980s) plus those and Joe and Charlie Big Book Studies in the 90s, and more recently several visits from this year's principal speaker, affectionately known as 'the Honorable [sic] Member for Los Angeles', and whose sobriety date is 31.10.1958! The notice in 'Share' was always helpful in informing the Fellowship about the dates for the Reunion. Our plea to readers is please, please tell all your friends about the Reunion. In this way you will be helping us not only meet our obligations but also helping us welcome the Honorable Gentleman from the Pacific group, LA - 'a man with love in his eyes for his fellow alcoholic' -and you can be sure there will be a cake for a 55-year-old! A big thank you from the Convenors. 

(From 'Bristol Fashion', the newsletter produced by members of the Bristol Newcomers group).” 

Comment: Having just about 'recovered' from exposure to the quite nauseating sycophancy exhibited above we would like to draw your attention to a few pertinent points: 

Joe and Charlie's so-called Big Book study (see Primary Purpose) omits almost completely one key, some might say almost pivotal section ie. Chapter Seven “Working With Others” (Step 12). Apparently the fellowship's low key, non-dogmatic approach simply didn't accord with our Big Book 'experts' opinions. The solution – leave it out! 

The “Honourable Member for Los Angeles” when asked to comment on the allegations of widespread abuse (including rape) perpetrated by the Midtown Group replied thus: 

"there probably have been some excesses, but they have helped more sober alcoholics in Washington than any other group by far" 

For our part we've never heard rape referred to as “some excesses”. As for the assertion that the group “helped more sober alcoholics.....” - where's your evidence? This apologist for the Midtown Group used to sponsor Mike Q(uinones) (now deceased), the ring leader and key participant in some of these “excesses”. The local AA service structure for their part failed to take any action to deal with the problem falling back on that time honoured, well-worn misquote of Tradition Four (“each group is autonomous”) thereby managing to wash their hands of the entire affair. So much for the concepts of collective and individual “responsibility”! (Incidentally Clancy also sponsors Wayne P – Plymouth Road to Recovery cult group – who similarly suffers from 'falling down trouser' syndrome – what a coincidence!} 

It may be that the Bristol local service structure (and Share magazine) have woken up to the fact that they have been supporting a group whose main 'business' (and we mean 'business') has been to promote personalities ahead of principles for some years now. Joe and Charlie's highly questionable study course is patchy to say the least and merely represents the views of a couple of alcoholics no more or less worthy of consideration than those of any other member of the fellowship (although we would say less!). Another example of this propagandist and essentially personality-driven approach is their reference to the “Honourable Gentleman from the Pacific group”. {This assertion might itself be challenged twice: anybody who implies that rape is a mere “excess” is neither honourable nor a gentleman). Surely the purpose of an AA convention (if in fact that is what the Bristol Reunion represents) is not to celebrate one individual's birthday (no matter how long he has refrained from committing suicide using alcohol) but to carry the AA message, a message we fear the “Honourable Member” lost touch with long ago! 

Cheerio 

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous) 

PS Our thanks to the member who drew this article to our attention

Showtime!

Well the Road to Recovery Plymouth (cult) group is back in the promotion business. Checking their site recently we came across this little item in the diary section:

Now don't be fooled by the banner heading - “Group of Alcoholics Anonymous”. This group NEVER had much to do with AA. In fact its members regard AA generally as something of a joke; “Beano readers” we believe is the term they employ. Alcoholics Anonymous' members, it would seem, don't quite meet the relatively high (?) standards that are required for affiliation with this group. No sirree! To be a proper, fully paid up servant of this gang you have to be possessed of all the necessary attributes that go to make a 'successful' cult prospect: arrogant, self-important, bullying (if not an outright 'thug'), promiscuous (ie. suffering from 'falling down trouser syndrome'), an advanced propensity to be closely - and frequently - completely unacquainted with the truth (ie. a liar), a Jack of all trades and master of none (eg. completely unqualified in medical/psychological matters but willing to give 'direction' in all of these), unacquainted virtually with anything in the basic literature (including the Big Book with special reference to Step Three), an inability to think or act on one's own behalf and so on and so forth.... the list as they say goes on 'ad infinitum'. In this group these indeed are the “essentials of recovery”.


But now we must return to the 'advert' on this cult website:


Bristol Reunion with “Honourable Member from Los Angeles”


Now for those of you who are not in the know the “Honourable Member” in question is none other than Clancy I or as we prefer to call him - the Venerable C. The Venerable One is not what might be called the shy retiring type. However he prefers not to blow his own trumpet (well not too frequently) but rather lets others do it for him. Hence the ads on the Bristol Reunion website as well as the Plymouth cult group's contribution.

The Bristol Reunion is run by the Newcomers Groups of that city – yet another branch of the cult in Great Britain. For some years now they have been very active in the 'promotions business” with a number of visits by the Venerable C under their belt already. Not content, however, with solo performances they have also hosted not infrequently the Joe and Charlie duet. Again for those of you not fully clued up on the 'circuit speaker' brigade these latter two have been illuminating (is that the right word?) AA members for a number of years now with their particular take on their personal bible – The Big Book. As you may observe from the previous link Joe McQ in particular has a liking for the 'authoritarian' style of sponsorship hence their complete neglect of Chapter 7 “Working With Others” from the aforementioned tome. It really doesn't suit him at all! It is ironic isn't it that here stands yet another example of the 'cafeteria' (ie take what you want and leave the rest) style of recovery so derided by Big Book experts the world over! For our part we advise anybody who meets a Big Book 'expert' … take what you hear with a very large pinch of salt!


But for now we must return to the main 'attraction'.


Clancy I is the head honcho behind what is referred to as the Pacific Group in Los Angeles. He has been quite tireless in his promotion of this clique over a number of years (not to mention himself, of course, which we wouldn't dream of doing!). He also sponsors quite a number of individuals (as long as they don't have beards) including our very own Wayne P (Plymouth Road to Recovery cult group) as well as the now deceased (thankfully) Michael Quinones (Mike Q) leader of the notorious Midtown Group(s) and serial sexual predator. The Venerable C himself recently featured in an article in The Fix (an online magazine dealing with addiction) entitled “AA Cults I Have Known” written by someone who has some acquaintance with the fellow. We were particularly struck by one reference to his conduct when speaking to a gathering of his devotees, the Atlantic Group. This, we thought, gave a particular insight into his true character. 

“Every year, to celebrate their anniversary, AG invites Clancy to speak at their meeting, hence the enormous crowd. On this evening, he told a story very familiar to AAs from the many tapes and conventions he has spoken at over the decades. He was entertaining, pausing for laughs and dramatic punctuation. 

Midway, he used the word “goddamit.” A young man piped up from the balcony to say, “Excuse me Sir, we have no profanity at this meeting.” It was clear he was attempting a teasing tone. It was also clear he had misjudged the room. The enormous hall froze, not unlike in an abusive household when a child calls out their cruel father.

At that moment, as I fiddled with my name tag, I thought it would be a great chance to see long-term, revered sobriety in action. How would the man whose AA tapes had helped me stay sober 20 years earlier gracefully handle this interruption. 

In the event, there was no empathy for the psychology of the newly sober young man. Instead, Clancy played to the crowd. He expertly waited a few beats of pin-dropping silence, then leaned in to the microphone and said, “Shut up Bitch.” 

And then, hundreds of sober men and women burst into laughter. Some applauded, as if they were watching Louis CK take down a heckler. The young man turned bright red, and awkwardly raced out of the church. Of the several hundred attendees—many of whom claim to be “recovered” from alcoholism, and that their most important action each day is to “carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers”—not one followed the young man outside. Instead, they turned their attention to Clancy and lapped up the rest of his honed speech, in which he assured the room that their brand of sobriety was more solid, more real and more lasting than any other.” 

How telling! The thug revealed in all his hideous glory! 

So if you want to watch a narcissist in action revelling in his own essential mediocrity by all means pay your money! It's a free country (just about!). If you want the Jeremy Kyle version of recovery with a bit of humiliation thrown in go on down and get dirty with the Venerable C! He'll put you in your place make no mistake! After all you deserve a bit of abuse! You're ONLY an alcoholic! 

Cheerio 

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous) 

PS See the Traditions in particular Tradition 12. Spot the difference between it and the self-promotional tactics demonstrated above

The Bristol Newcomers Group – go into the retreat business!

Wandering merrily around the internet (as you do) we came across this little item c/o the Newcomers Group Bristol (meeting location: Catholic Chaplaincy, 103 Queens Rd, Clifton. Bristol)

It would seem that it is these we should thank (?) for the so-called Bristol Reunion (see here and elsewhere on the site for more info) and their 'promotional' activities. For some time now this group has been busily engaged in 'ignoring' whatever traditions they can (that is if they ever bothered to acknowledge them in the first place!), and are now enthusiastically 'ignoring' yet another ie. non-affiliation (Traditions 3 and 6).

Observe their online flier:

It would seem they have 'allied' themselves with something called the “Editors of Bristol Fashion” during this “Spiritual Weekend”. Moreover those who evidently hunger for such sustenance will be addressed by Sr Margaret Harlock, a member of the “Congregation of La Retraite... (Congregation of Retreat of the Sacred Heart) based at Emmaus House, Bristol”

Now we're quite sure the good sister is more than equal to the task of tending to the spiritual needs of the great unwashed but then we're equally sure she has absolutely no idea what she has got herself into! And why should she? It's not her responsibility. But it is the Newcomers Group's responsibility. They should know better! But they obviously don't? And whose responsibility do you think it is to enlighten them …. and take action if they choose to ignore this advice? Take a guess? Ours! And by “ours” we mean AA's!

See:

Tradition 3 (extract from the Long form):

and Tradition 6 (extract again from the Long form):

Moreover see here.

Finally for the benefit of the Newcomers group (whose memory is evidently so poor) an extract from … what's it called?.... Ah yes! The preamble:

“A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution...”

Our responsibility is indicated by the much misquoted Tradition 4.

In fact we think is it so frequently mis-cited that we've produced our own radical version (Short form):

“Except in matters affecting other groups or AA as a whole each group should be autonomous”

Cheerio

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous … and still alive!)

PS Of course we'll be sending a copy of this to the good sisters of La Retraite!

Skype – helping to propagate the cult message?

“I reckon Skype meetings and online sponsors have something to do with spreading cults so the following article might also be of interest to the members in Perth. (I came across it while on the trail of Clancy I. of the Pacific Group. I wonder why Clancy I is cited with this issue of AA in Australia on Google?)

Extracts from 'AA in the Twenty First Century–Speakers via Video Chat'; 'AA Around Australia pp1,3: http://www.aa.org.au/members/documents/AAAroundAustraliaMarch2012.pdf

“With a decent-sized screen and a reasonable sound system, it's almost as if the speaker were there in the room. Any slight disadvantages seem to be far outweighed by the ability to invite the speaker you want, at very low cost, irrespective of location world-wide"

"Q How did the idea come about?

A: I have been using Skype for years now as a tool to communicate with my sponsor and also for holding AA meetings online with friends and sponsees who live in different places. it enables us to do Big Book studies.."

Q: I've heard speakers at your meeting from as far apart as Perth, Silicon Valley in the US and Darwin. How does the group find these speakers?

A: Having been around a while I have gotten to know a lot of friends in the Fellowship. This comes from attending National Conventions and other Round-ups and Rallies......I have also had the privilege of having an American sponsor who is very active in General Service in the USA and so I have met many highly experienced members through him who are more than willing to share their experience, strength and hope. It would only be a matter of contacting via email or phone one or more of the many Central Service Offices in the US/Canada or in other countries to ask them to recommend speakers"

Q: I understand that online sponsorship is also possible. How does that work?

A: I have only ever had long distance sponsorship. This was more God‘s choice than mine and personally I think a local sponsor is the best.."

(Extract 'AA in the Twenty First Century –Speakers via Video Chat'; 'AA Around Australia pp )

http://www.aa.org.au/members/documents/AAAroundAustraliaMarch2012.pdf

Comment: We've been aware for some time that Skype is being utilised by cult groups to disseminate their 'message', and the fact that Clancy I's name (Pacific Group) seems to come up in a Google search in association with this is hardly surprising. His name seems to be linked with virtually every prominent (?) cult group we've investigated from the Plymouth Road to Recovery (GB) to the “Sponsorship Group” (New Jersey) to the Bristol Reunion (GB) (which “promoted” this speaker on a number of occasions) to the notorious Midtown groups (Washington DC) (he sponsored Mike Quinones – now deceased – who presided over this cesspool for a number of years and even acted as an apologist for their conduct). Clancy I (who we sometimes refer to as the Venerable C) is yet another anti-prescribed medication freak with a strange aversion to bearded men. He believes they are hiding something! (Are there some issues to be explored here?). He has also been described as an addiction and recovery expert but we're not aware that he holds any qualifications with respect to the former nor that there is any evidence for the latter. In fact two of our the team on different occasions have met him personally. One described him simply as arrogant and the second offered him his phone number believing the fellow to be a newcomer who was struggling! Or maybe it was a different Clancy I? (For more information on some of the above simply type in the relevant key words into Google Custom Search at the top of our blog)

Cheerio

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS Our thanks to our correspondent

The Bristol Reunion – Yes it's The Second Coming!! Or maybe the Third or Fourth...

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)