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)

The 'Ealing project' – latest update!

Well the bizarre machinations in Ealing proceed apace – and seemingly day by day! Could this long-running 'soap' displace the hacking scandal aux Murdochs from headlining every newspaper? Probably not - but then these have departed already from that position of prominence so fickle are the press in their inky devotions! It would seem (or so the rumours go) that the 'brawn' behind this little attempt at empire building has done a 'runner' - or 'gone to ground' - for not a sight or sound (some would say thankfully!) of the Happy One has been seen for some little while now. But this is very much Dennis' MO apparently when it comes to 'facing the music'...... Start something up but leave somebody else to carry the can as the ordure well and truly hits the fan! Still the 'brains' (by 'brains' we actually mean 'control freak') behind the outfit is still very much in charge of operations, orders being issued by the High Command on an almost daily basis as the plot (and accumulating debris) thickens. This particular ego maniac goes by the name of David C who though British by birth is currently resident in the US. For those of you who are not familiar with the fellow he made his début performance in the UK back in the mid 80s, his novitiate undertaken at that well-known venue “The Joys of Recovery”(or 'Ploys of Recovery' as we prefer to call it), Collingham Gardens, under the tutelage of David B (the founder of the Visions cult and the source of that well-known but largely meaningless epithet 'Misery is Optional' - an expression which has only a minimal connection with AA's spiritual principles and derives rather from the somewhat obsessive and SELF-promoting pretensions of its author). On the departure finally of the head honcho to that “Great Meeting in the Sky” (the air ringing behind him apparently with cries of “This is NOT AA! This is NOT AA!” a much favoured mantra of his, and oft repeated at local AA meetings where he would happily (and apparently at length) harangue the assembled brethren with his particular take on the subject (and with such fervour that the members, some almost overcome with his devotion, would invite him most heartily to leave!)), David “The Icon” C took up the “spiritual tool-kit” bequeathed to him by his mentor, and proceeded to carry the cult's particularly perverse message to us the 'unbelievers” in AA. He was however not alone in his quest to save us all from our foolhardiness and assembled a motley crew of devotees to assist him in his 'holy' but largely SELF-appointed mission. One of these is of course the aforementioned 'Happy Dennis', a fellow who can really only be described as a “sandwich short of a picnic”, “not the full shilling”, “driving on only three wheels”, “a banana short of a bunch” (and so on in this general theme) and who has been so far “rocketed into a fourth dimension” (and quite probably a fifth or even a sixth!) that he will probably never make it back to Earth in one piece!

And here is the latest list for the Ealing 'project'. It is rather difficult to determine exactly how many of these are actually functioning at the moment and indeed which ones still subscribe to the cult 'ethos' of “carrying the message “ through bullying and coercion... but nevertheless here we go:

Mon 07:30 West Ealing: Great Feeling in Ealing, 1 Bayham Road Junction with Bedford Road. (seems to have reverted to AA)

Mon 13:00 West Ealing: Community Centre, Green Man Lane.

Mon 18:00 West Ealing: A Vision For You, 1 Bayham Road Junction with Bedford Rd.

Tue 07:30 Ealing: Healthy Feeling in Ealing, 1 Bayham Road Junction with Bedford Rd. (seems to have reverted to AA)

Tue 09.45 West Ealing: Big Book Happy Focus, Community Centre, Green Man Lane. (reported closed down due to lack of support)

Wed 07:30 West Ealing: A.M Reflections, 1 Bayham Rd Junction with Bedford Rd

Wed 13:00 West Ealing: Community Centre, Green Man Lane.

Wed 18:00 West Ealing: Community Centre, Green Man Lane.

Wed 19:30 West Ealing: Big Book Focus, Community Centre, Green Man Lane,

Thurs 07:30 West Ealing: Radian Feeling, 1 Bayham Road Junction with Bedford Road.

Thurs 09.45 West Ealing: Big Book Joyous Focus, Community Centre, Green Man Lane.

Thurs 13:00 West Ealing: Green Man Big Book Discussion Community Centre, Green Man Lane.

Thurs 18:00 West Ealing: Happy, Joyous & Free, 1 Bayham Road Corner of Bedford Road.

Fri 07:30 West Ealing: 1 Bayham Rd Junction with Bedford Road.

Sat 09:00 West Ealing: Wonderful Feeling in Ealing, 1 Bayham Road Junction with Bedford Road. (definitely cult)

Sat 18:00 West Ealing: 1 Bayham Rd, Junction with Bedford Road.

Sun 08:45 West Ealing: Sponsored Walks, 1 Bayham Rd Junction with Bedford Road. (definitely cult)

Sun 13:30 West Ealing: 1 Bayham Rd Junction with Bedford Road.

Sun 19:00 West Ealing: Step & Tradition, 1 Bayham Rd, Junction with Bedford Road. (definitely cult)

(We will update this list accordingly as soon as we receive information).

It should be noted that even those meetings that have reverted to AA were set up whilst failing to consider their impact on already existing AA groups in the area and certainly without consulting them in accordance with Tradition 4. There is still unfinished business to be concluded here!

Cheerio

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

(our usual thanks to our reporters)

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)

Ealing going Viral!

The problem:

We've received yet more complaints with regard to the activities of the Ealing groups based at Bayham Rd and the Green Man Lane Community Centre. There have been reports that these groups: pursue an anti-prescribed medication policy (contrary to AA guidelines); that meetings have been open without consultation with neighbouring (and legitimate AA) groups (in breach of Tradition Four and with detrimental effects upon attendance at these latter groups); that these meetings supply non-conference approved literature some of which appears to be in breach of AAWS copyright (who have incidentally been notified of this); that these groups are affiliated with an outside organisation, which renders them ineligible to call themselves AA groups (under Tradition 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.”

Finally - that they are bringing AA into disrepute and acting contrary to the interests of AA unity (Tradition 1).

We have been asked to present some ideas that may be employed by the local groups to ensure that this situation is remedied.

The solution:

Firstly groups may ensure that they are not contaminated by this influence by employing cult-proofing techniques (see here). The advice contained here can be modified to suit local circumstances.

Secondly we would advise the local AA groups to call group consciences to decide on a plan of concerted action. This can result in the following decisions (implemented by South Middlesex Intergroup):

a) that the Bayham Road and Green Man Lane meetings be removed from the Local Where to Find;
b) that these groups are no longer eligible to participate in the service structure.(under Traditions 3 and 4 (amongst others)) ie. that any GSR representation at intergroup will no longer be recognised, that their members may no longer hold any intergroup positions, and moreover may not participate in those parts of the service structure that bring them into contact with newcomers eg. phone responders, twelve step calls, public information etc;

The above will have the effect of separating them from the formal service structure of AA and moreover protect the most vulnerable from their activities

It would be useful additionally if AA groups regularly announced these facts at their meetings to ensure this information is widely disseminated (especially to newcomers). ie. that the Bayham Rd and Green Man Lane meetings may no longer be regarded as legitimate AA meetings.

Thirdly members can express their concerns directly to the relevant Intergroup (in this instance South Middlesex - contacting them directly by email or by post), asking them what action they are taking to deal with the situation. Here is the link to their website:

http://www.aa-gb.org.uk/london/southmiddlesex/

Their postal address is: A.A Intergroup, South Middlesex, Jacob House, 3-5 Cynthia Street
London N1 9JF

Their email address is: s-middx-eclo@aa-email.org.uk
(We have already contacted them by email and will follow up on our enquiry and let you know the results).

Additionally (and if members wish to) they can copy their complaint to GSO York.

Here is their postal address: The General Service Office, The General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous (Great Britain) Limited, PO Box 1, 10 Toft Green, York, YO1 7NJ

Here is their email address: gso@alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Although GSO is unable directly to take action it will be on the record that a complaint has been made and this will then be passed on to the relevant intergroup.

Fourthly action may be taken to have the Bayham Rd and Green Lane meetings themselves closed down. This can be achieved by contacting the relevant landlords of the premises that these groups use and request that their tenancies be terminated on the grounds indicated above. The most useful approach would be to present them with information (and evidence) relating to the the anti-prescribed medication policy that the groups have adopted.

The landlords for the Bayham Rd meetings are: ECIL - Ealing Centre for Independent Living, 1 Bayham Road, West Ealing, London W13 0TQ

Your enquiry should be addressed to: Wendy Starkie who is the chair of the ECIL management and governance committee and/or Sian Vasey who is the director of ECIL

Their phone number is: 0208 840 8573

Email contacts are by form submission. Click here

(Note: as far as we are aware this organisation is quite ignorant of the activities of their tenants and is otherwise of good repute, has charitable status, and receives funding from “Ealing Council and the Ealing Primary Care Trust. [They] also receive project funding from the Big Lottery Fund, in addition to funding from smaller trusts.”

The landlords of the Green Man Lane venue are: from the contact details it would appear to be Ealing Council (we will amend accordingly if we discover otherwise)

Postal address: Green Man Lane Community Centre, Green Man Lane, West Ealing WI3 OSN

Telephone contact: 0208 825 5086

Email contact: khansa@ealing.gov.uk

There are further measures that may be employed and we will indicate these if events should demonstrate that they are necessary.

If AA members act singly and collectively via their groups (and Intergroup) this problem can easily be resolved – the choice is yours!

Over to you

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)