01/03/10
Birchington Mini Convention (East Kent)
The word is that the convenor for this year's Birchington Mini Convention is a cult member - a regular at both cult groups - Tankerton Tuesday and Kearsney Wednesday. Still it should greatly simplify the choice of speakers for the event - we predict contributions from the local cult groups, maybe a showing or two from the Medway (Strood Thursday et al) gang, and perhaps even an import from the "smoke", with perhaps a suitably "co-opted" local "bleeding deacon" whose ego has been suitably massaged in advance, just to lend the occasion that touch of AA authenticity. Or then again perhaps it would just be easier to play a few CDs from the "fly-in" circuit speaker brigade and maybe abandon the convention altogether. Whatever happens we hope that the attendees at the event have a strong stomach - and an inordinate capacity to listen to prolonged, identical sharing as clone after clone rehearses those well known cult tag lines, demonstrating thereby an almost complete eradication of independent thought: "My sponsor says.....", "....happy, joyous and free....", "misery is optional" blah blah blah ad nauseam. That's all it takes to recover folks! - the ability to string a few clichés together, and play the part to the bitter end!!
Enjoy
Cheerio
The Fellas
26/07/09
Whitstable Wednesday takeover
We continue to receive reports of attempts of a cult takeover at the Whitstable Wednesday meeting (East Kent Intergroup). The incoming secretary is a cult supporter and has adopted a policy of inviting chairs from other cult meetings in Kent, notably from the Sidcup Into Action group (part of the Primary Purpose movement). (For more information on Primary Purpose groups see report in Stop Press and also on our Links page). This group is affiliated with outside organisations ie. non AA, which have an established record of misrepresenting both AA and its programme to serve their own ends. Members of the Sidcup Into Action group have also been involved in setting up and participating in non-AA sanctioned conventions (in breach of AA guidelines). There is considerable discontent amongst existing group members at the current situation and an attempt to call a group conscience by one of these was sabotaged last Wednesday. If AA members in East Kent do not want to see the continued spread of this pernicious influence within the Fellowship then now's the time to get off one's backside and support this group. The solution is simple - get rid of the secretary and insist that any chairs henceforth are speakers from AA (as opposed to cult) meetings. Take steps to "cult proof" the group and develop a vigorous and ongoing group conscience. Or alternatively - do nothing - walk away - and see yet another AA group succumb to this disease. The solution is there - apply it!
Cheers
The Fellas
20/07/09
Sponsorship in East Kent
Hot off the press from East Kent Intergroup, and the latest of its offerings:
Tahhhh rahhhhhh!!
Sponsorship
Now some of you might be forgiven for thinking this is much akin to reinventing the wheel - AA has already produced a perfectly good booklet on the subject - and here it is:
Click here for pdf download
But the reason why we include it here is that it's an absolute masterpiece - of banality, irrelevance and inaccuracy - and we believe on these grounds alone that it will become a collector's item for the more discerning AA member - and that's before we even get to the flyer photo. We did think about scanning this into the site for the entertainment of a wider audience but given the probable exponential increase in its value (plus our almost "terminal" laziness - geddit!!) we've decided against it, and you'll have to fire your imagination using our description. The flyer itself is the usual size (A5), entitled SPONSORSHIP accompanied by a shading effect to those letters. Beneath this banner headline are the words, or warning, "Don't get left behind....." and beneath this is an inserted photocopied photograph which we hope purports to depict the condition of someone being "left behind". The picture shows a woodland path with three people proceeding along it, their backs turned towards us. It appears to be a sunny day though the temperatures must be lower rather than higher for all are wearing what appears to be winter wear. In the foreground, and behind the leading figures, is a lone fellow of indeterminate sex, who appears to be reaching into his/her pocket. Ahead of him/her, and possibly walking hand in hand, are a couple (?), again of indeterminate gender definition. We assume that the lone figure represents the one who is being "left behind" and the two in front, those who are NOT BEING "left behind". They might even be trudging "THE ROAD OF HAPPY DESTINY" for all we know. Anyway - enough of all that. Unfortunately there are a number of ambiguities raised by the picture and we're quite sure that a caption competition would reveal these in all their glory. Some of the less well members of the accultwatch team have proposed that this trio might be up to "no good" in this woodland glade,whereas others have suggested the "loner" behind the happy couple may indeed be on the point of mugging them. Either way, once you have negotiated this tricky visual artefact you then come on to the "meat" of the advert. Apparently East Kent Intergroup is running a "Sponsorship Workshop" in the hope presumably of elucidating the subject. At the bottom of the cover side of the flier is the invitation "... and bring a friend with you!" It's not made clear if this involves holding hands but what the hell! - if the mood takes you. But we suppose that if you've been "left behind" you'll just have to make do with your own sad and solo company, you social leper you!!
On the reverse side of the flier we come to the fun and games.
"HERE ARE 20 QUESTIONS"
though this isn't strictly true for the last two "questions" are actually questions about questions, and we reckon that they were added to the numbers to make it up to TWENTY. We can only thank our respective Higher Powers that whoever came up with this format at least managed more than TWELVE QUESTIONS and thus avoided the Fellowship's somewhat neurotic obsession with this particular integer.
Now, as always, we're entirely devoted to making things as simple as possible so we'll bash through this unique set at top speed and thereby hopefully ensure that some people don't have to waste any time at the event itself.
We begin - their "questions" - our answers:
"What is sponsorship in AA?" - see AA booklet above.
"Is a sponsor an essential? - An "essential" for what? But whatever... the answer is - No.
"How do I get a sponsor? - If you want one - ask!
"Can I change sponsors?" - Yes
"Can you have a temporary sponsor?" - You can have any sort you like - or not at all.
"Can you have more than one sponsor" - Yes - or none at all.
"For how long do you need a sponsor" - Who says you need a sponsor? We thought it was a Higher Power that was needed. Still - don't believe everything you read in the Big Book!
"Can a sponsor also be a friend?" - No. It's better if they're your worst enemy - how stupid can a question be?
"What to do if your sponsor relapses?" - Well, don't panic's a good start - other than that - nothing at all - maybe just stay sober yourself.
"Can you a [sic] have sponsor of the opposite sex?" - You can have any type you like - or none at all - personally we prefer the six foot tall white rabbit called Harvey!
"Have you got a sponsor?" - Mind your own business!
"Are you sponsoring anyone?" - Keep on minding your own business!
"How many members can you sponsor?" - How much pain can you take?
"How much do you share with a sponsor?" - Nothing over a fiver!
"How confidential is sponsorship?" - It isn't - they're not lawyers, priests etc. But then life's a risky business.
"Can you sack a sponsor?" - What sponsor?
"Should a sponsor give advice?" - Not if they know what's good for them - or they shouldn't "give" anything - personally we always charge!
"Should you 'volunteer yourself' as a sponsor?" - Why? You fancy yourself don't you! Or only if the money's right.
Then we have the filler questions:
"What's your first question?" - My first question is - why are you asking so many stupid questions?
And lastly:
"Have you any more questions.....?" Yep. What's the meaning of life? Why are you asking so many stupid questions again? What is the sound of one hand clapping, oh grasshopper? Can anyone really be this daft? Why are you wasting my time? How long is a piece of string? Am I going to get lucky tonight? Has anyone ever seen a flying pig? Why is this leaflet so obviously manipulative? Will there ever be ........
..... and bring a friend with you, you saddo!
Cheers
The Fellas
31/05/09
East Kent Intergroup
Well since we've given up on West Kent Intergroup as a source of any possible AA activity we'd thought we'd take a look at what's going on next door - and surprise surprise! What have we here?
The most notable item on the timetable for the East Kent Intergroup meeting next week is the election? ratification?? co-option??? or whatever it might be, of a new Chairman for the Intergroup. And who might that be? Well, surprisingly, the ex-Vice Chairman, a fellow who goes by the name of Blonde Dave, stalwart of the local branch of the cult in the area (we do hope that we're not going to incur any threats of libel action on this, after all there must be quite a few blonde Daves in the East Kent area). It seems a rather dubious practice to have someone rotate from Vice Chairman to Chairman - such a thing would never happen in West Kent - sorry! - it did didn't it? Barbara "Cults are a good thing" K, ex-Vice Chair of West Kent, and now Secretary (and manager of the cult agenda for West Kent), plus conference delegate for the cult, supporter of alternative conventions in Kent and London, (and probably elsewhere for all we know) masquerading as AA events, immortalised on CD where various pearls of wisdom were displayed for the benefits of the masses .... oh dear - there we go again! Anyway if they can get away with it in West Kent then they're sure as hell going to try it on in East Kent. The latter intergroup has for some time been trying to shake off the death grip of some of its participants, those who constantly wail against the apathy of AA members but as soon as any of these step up to the plate are instantly sponsored into service - and by this we don't mean assisted - but rather micro-managed to death - we won't mention any names on this one (such is our dread of a libel action - you've simply no idea of how many sleepless nights the aacultwatch team have had over that one - NOT) but anyone in the area will know exactly who we're talking about. So we think we can say, and without much fear of contradiction, that by the end of next week East Kent Intergroup will have a shiny new (or not so new) cult Chairman.
Cheers
The Fellas
28/04/09
The “L” word being waved in our direction (again) by the secretary of the Canterbury Thursday meeting – the complaint and our response
The complaint
“My attention has been drawn to your website by a member of my group who, like me, was astounded by the content.
I am breaking my anonymity in order to to submit this such is the seriousness I consider the matter to be.
In your stop press under the heading 'Fun and games at the Tankerton(Cult) meeting references are made to a person identified as'Tooting' Dave. Whilst I am not the Dave in question I, like many people in Kent will recognise the person so, automatically in contravention of a major AA principle, his anonymity is broken.
I am the Secretary of the Canterbury 'Thursday' meeting which is, in accordance with your definition, a mainstream AA meeting (Whatever that might mean). The person so maligned in the above article is a serving officer in that meeting and has fulfilled his role in a punctual,officious,extremely friendly manner and completely to my satisfaction.
This, I must add, he has been done in the face of some personal, and totally unfounded attacks on him, at this meeting.
This article, as are the personal attacks upon his character, are, in my opinion written in malice and are motivated by a hidden agenda and I am quite prepared, if required, to supply an extremely positive character reference for the maligned person and to confirm that the personal attacks are not in any way warranted.
Although I am not a solicitor I have worked for most of my working days on developing computer systems and websites and I am aware of certain legal aspects as they relate to libel. Obviously you may be aware that in any instance like this, as it is impossible to hold the writer of the article responsible for what has been written (on the grounds that he can deny it) so the onus falls back upon the publishers or the website owners.
I am breaking my anonymity in order to to submit this such is the seriousness I consider the matter to be.
In your stop press under the heading 'Fun and games at the Tankerton(Cult) meeting references are made to a person identified as'Tooting' Dave. Whilst I am not the Dave in question I, like many people in Kent will recognise the person so, automatically in contravention of a major AA principle, his anonymity is broken.
I am the Secretary of the Canterbury 'Thursday' meeting which is, in accordance with your definition, a mainstream AA meeting (Whatever that might mean). The person so maligned in the above article is a serving officer in that meeting and has fulfilled his role in a punctual,officious,extremely friendly manner and completely to my satisfaction.
This, I must add, he has been done in the face of some personal, and totally unfounded attacks on him, at this meeting.
This article, as are the personal attacks upon his character, are, in my opinion written in malice and are motivated by a hidden agenda and I am quite prepared, if required, to supply an extremely positive character reference for the maligned person and to confirm that the personal attacks are not in any way warranted.
Although I am not a solicitor I have worked for most of my working days on developing computer systems and websites and I am aware of certain legal aspects as they relate to libel. Obviously you may be aware that in any instance like this, as it is impossible to hold the writer of the article responsible for what has been written (on the grounds that he can deny it) so the onus falls back upon the publishers or the website owners.
However part of this process is to assume that, hitherto, you have not been totally aware of the malicious content and I am, in the first instance,making you aware of the strength of feeling related to this article so as to give you the chance to withdraw it.
There are other articles on here that I, as an AA member of a 'mainstream' group, would take issue with. But those are for another day.
I am arranging for a secure and dated copy of this letter to be retained in the event of the malignied [sic] person ever needing it !
But now I look forward to your complete co-operation in withdrawing this deeply saddening article.
Yours sincerely"
24/04/09
Our response
"As we had indicated in our previous email we have considered your request and, after consultation with the owner of the site, the editor, the author of the article, various contributors, and with other members of the aacultwatch team, we have arrived at the following conclusion. However before we go into that we shall respond to a number of points raised in your email.
One: it should be clear from our website that we have no affiliation with AA. We do not use the term "Alcoholics Anonymous" in our banner, nor do we use the AA logo nor do we claim to speak for AA in some "official" capacity. Indeed, if you go to the About Us page of the website we describe ourselves as "AA members who are concerned with the development of a movement in AA that we refer to as a cult". We are therefore an "outside organisation" and hence under no obligation, moral or otherwise, to abide by the Traditions or guidelines of the Fellowship.
Two: the " major AA principle" of "anonymity" that you refer to we assume is that described by Tradition 11. Given that we are not operating as an AA group, nor claim to be, but rather as members of the public who happen also to be fellows of AA, again - and in the first instance - we are under no obligation (moral or otherwise) to abide by that guideline. Even if we chose to be so “guided” the Tradition itself refers to the manner and mode in which AA members qua AA members present themselves in relation to the "general public", and via the mass media to that same audience. Certainly the internet could not fail to be described as a "potential" mass medium, and in that respect would probably be included in any updated version of this Tradition. However the guideline itself proposes (with respect to AA members as AA members) the manner in which we present ourselves in a putative role as "representatives" of that organisation: "Our names and pictures as AA members ought not be broadcast, filmed, or publicly printed" (from Tradition 11 – long form). In the instance of which you complain we find it difficult to accept that our manner of denomination with respect to the person in question is sufficient to be in breach of that tradition. It is unlikely, even impossible, that a member of the general public would be able to identify such an individual purely on the basis of the information that we have provided. Certainly the first name information that we have indicated on our site could hardly constitute a breach of anonymity given that persons bearing that name must run into at least the hundreds of thousands in this country alone; that is assuming, of course, that it is indeed his name. The qualifying epithet applied to his appellation might be considered to narrow the choice somewhat - but again any individual relying upon that as a clue to his identity would quite clearly be misled given that the person in question does not indeed reside in the town to which it refers. However it could certainly be the case that such an individual might be known in an organisation such as AA but then this does not constitute the "general public" as referred to in the tradition nor as most people would understand that term. Therefore the "principle" of anonymity does not apply in this case.
Three: you refer to a "hidden agenda" in your communication. Again we refer you to the website and the About Us page:
"This site has been set up by AA members who are concerned with the development of a movement in AA that we refer to as a cult.
It is our view that this cult has as its aims the control of AA in Great Britain and the promulgation of its own version of the recovery program that is both a corruption of the message and the spirit of the Fellowship.
It is our view that this cult has as its aims the control of AA in Great Britain and the promulgation of its own version of the recovery program that is both a corruption of the message and the spirit of the Fellowship.
It is our intention to describe the historical development of the cult, its
diffusion within AA and an indication of its current distribution throughout Great Britain. Additionally we will be examining some of the reported features by which members may identify whether one or more of these groups is operating in their area. We will further explore some of the strategies that these cult groups use in order to promote their own agenda to the detriment of mainstream AA, the means by which they recruit new members and control their behaviour, and further seek to bolster their credibility within AA by co-opting "bleeding deacons". We will look at their subversion of the AA message that underpins their abusive sponsorship styles. It should be observed at this point that individuals should be very careful not to jump to conclusions purely on the basis of the evidence presented here. We strongly advise each member to investigate for themselves the veracity of our claims and test our assertions against their own experience and observation.
Our aim is to raise awareness of this threat and encourage members to act according to their conscience to marginalise this movement. Local members are in the best position to judge what should be done in their area but already some experience has been gained in the Fellowship on how to respond to this malign influence and some of these ideas are also presented below.
Finally we seek to restore AA to a healthily disorganised state where no faction within the Fellowship may seek to impose its will upon the rest and that the rights of the individual are always upheld."
Finally we seek to restore AA to a healthily disorganised state where no faction within the Fellowship may seek to impose its will upon the rest and that the rights of the individual are always upheld."
There is nothing "hidden" about our agenda.
Four: you further allude to "totally unfounded attacks on him" at the Canterbury Thursday meeting. Again we would have to disagree with you on that point. At least three members of the aacultwatch team were present on the evening upon which these comments were made. These criticisms were based upon direct observation of the conduct of the person in question, and with respect to his position of responsibility in the Tankerton Tuesday group (GSR - and now presumably interim secretary), the established track record of this cult group, and its repeated breaches of the AA traditions. Whereas it is evident that you do not agree with those comments they were certainly not "unfounded" but based on the experience and observation of the members present.
Five: you refer to the article, and references to the individual in question, as being "maligned" and "malicious". Again we would take issue with your interpretation. We refer you to our agenda (see above). Our main purpose is to bring to light the abuses perpetrated by the cult groups (and their members) against new and vulnerable members of AA. In his position as a group officer, and as a member of the steering committee, he is someone who plays a pivotal role in the running of this collective, and therefore it would seem reasonable to us that the person in question cannot be ignorant of what is going on in his group (we refer specifically to abusive sponsorship styles, with newcomers on prescribed medication additionally being pressured to discontinue with this; an unambiguous contravention of AA guidelines on the issue). Quite apart from these matters recent events at the Tankerton group indicate a worsening trend in their dogmatic attitudes towards recovery. To be specific, the latest "opinion" to be voiced by a member of that group is that someone who is a smoker will not be able to recover because they have nicotine as a “Higher Power”. This, of course, goes against all the evidence to the contrary ie it would have been a rare event in the past to have discovered an AA member who wasn't a smoker when they came to the Fellowship - and plenty of these sobered up. We have also received reports that the person in question displays an ignorance of the Traditions which is nothing short of astounding (given his time in AA), and yet shows no sign of wishing to educate himself on the subject. Therefore our primary intent is to challenge not only these breaches of the traditions and guidelines but also those individuals who, either through omission or commission, engage in this conduct themselves, and further condone it in others. These views are not based upon speculation but upon direct evidence supplied by ex- members and attendees at this group - they have a foundation. So our objective is to attack the "evil" inherent in the cult system, and this necessarily implies that those too who practise this "wrongdoing" are similarly to be challenged. The solution, of course, is quite simple: discontinue these abusive techniques and start putting the Traditions and guidelines into practice.
Six: we now come to your introduction as "Secretary of the 'Thursday' Canterbury meeting". Since we have been informed that no group conscience has taken place with respect to the substance of your email, nor indeed whether such a communication should take place at all, we therefore assume that your submission is purely a personal view, and not representative of the group. You may indeed be satisfied with the conduct of the person in question but we have been informed that such a view is far from universal at the Canterbury Thursday meeting. With regard to your willingness to supply "an extremely positive character reference" on behalf of the person in question this may reflect very much to your credit or it may simply be a demonstration of your ignorance of his true conduct. We are in contact with a number of AA members (who have known him far longer than you) and who would not be so generously inclined.
Finally this brings us to the whole issue of "libel". Obviously we are quite conversant with the law in this area - we would be foolish not to be. Your assumption that the writer of the piece would be unwilling to identify him/herself is quite incorrect. Should the need arise that individual has already indicated to us that he/she would be quite happy to come forward and provide full identification, and stand by what he/she has written. Furthermore the site owner, the editor, and some of our contributors have similarly assented to make themselves available should any litigation be pursued. The general consensus is that a court case would considerably enhance our efforts in bringing fully into the public domain some of the abuses that are being conducted by the cult groups and their members within Alcoholics Anonymous. These activities bring the Fellowship into disrepute, and hamper our efforts in carrying out our primary purpose. Most importantly we regard the completely unnecessary and arbitrary suffering currently being inflicted upon newcomers (leading in some cases to their suicide) by the cult groups as an evil that can no longer be ignored, and therefore requires the most drastic of measures to bring to a conclusion.
And so with respect to our decision on your request it should come as no surprise to you that we will not be withdrawing the article. It will remain on the site in its present form. However we would be quite happy to remove or amend it (as we have done in the past) if the individual(s) and the group in question change their conduct, and desist from their current activities. But if they persist with these then we will continue to expose this conduct, both at group and individual level, until such time as we achieve our most explicitly stated agenda:
To repeat:
"Our aim is to raise awareness of this threat and encourage members to act according to their conscience to marginalise this movement. Local members are in the best position to judge what should be done in their area but already some experience has been gained in the Fellowship on how to respond to this malign influence and some of these ideas are also presented below.
Finally we seek to restore AA to a healthily disorganised state where no faction within the Fellowship may seek to impose its will upon the rest and that the rights of the individual are always upheld."
Finally we seek to restore AA to a healthily disorganised state where no faction within the Fellowship may seek to impose its will upon the rest and that the rights of the individual are always upheld."
The Fellas
22/04/09
Fun and games at the Tankerton (cult) meeting
Well there's no question but that one of the more entertaining meetings in the East Kent area has got to be the Tankerton gathering. At one time the place to be "seen" was the Saturday night Canterbury meeting where a cult member (and ex-East Kent archivist) would entertain the troops with the latest cult inspired rant. But sensing that there was further scope for such "action art" the think tank that goes by the name of Tooting Dave has come up with something even better. So if you're bored with run-of-the-mill AA where people just get on with the business of recovery from alcoholism, and you want to add a bit of drama and excitement to your life, and at the same time get to witness a bit of public humiliation, then make sure you put Tankerton on your list of things to do this week. In the good old days - when they knew what to do with a villain - a vigorous flogging, or even a public hanging satisfied the entertainment requirements of most punters. But in these dark days of the credit crunch, mass unemployment and sleazy politicians there has to be something novel to brighten up our lives, and distract us from the cold, harsh winds of economic retrenchment. So this bright spark (Tooting Dave) from the cult has come up with a brilliant new wheeze. Not content with merely providing hot food after the meeting, and a state-of-the-art and off-the-peg meeting format (downloaded directly from the internet - from a non-AA source), together with readings from that same provenance (might not even be an AA member - who knows?) now it has become cult (for "cult" read Tooting Dave) policy to regale the group with ........ acts of public contrition!!! A bit of background: the secretary of the aforementioned group has now become an ex-secretary - we won't go into his crimes against humanity here since they are already well known in the East Kent area - suffice it to say they are not particularly original. However, what is particularly interesting is that the fellow was judged by his peers, and found guilty of whatever it was that he had done. Unfortunately, falling on your sword has gone out of fashion - Shame!! - we hear you say - and so the perpetrator of these heinous acts was stripped of his rank, sword broken across the knees of his commanding officer (Tooting Dave - again!!), and demoted to the ranks. One might almost feel sorry for the fellow. He does seem to have had a run of bad luck. It would appear that prior to his elevation to secretary of the Tankerton meeting he was a staunch supporter of the Kearsney Wednesday (cult) meeting (whatever has happened to that group? Seems to have come a bit unstuck we gather) Anyways, his bad habits got him into a bit of hot water there as well, and he was BANNED from the meeting for six weeks - which in itself raises a whole lot of questions about what's going on in the cult groups - a six week ban - not sure which part of the Traditions covers that - maybe we should check to see if it's in the guidelines? So, seeking asylum from Kearsney, he lands up at Tankerton where he's put in as secretary (in retrospect probably not the sharpest of moves - but we all make mistakes don't we?), and now ex-secretary. But just being stripped of his epaulettes isn't enough for Tooting "The Confessor" Dave. Apparently these punishments are not sufficient, and further amends need to be made by the 'perp' for it would appear that he is guilty of even greater crimes than thus far revealed. Tankerton policy now (sorry - meant to say Tooting Dave policy) on the question is to require the malfeasant to confess his sins publicly, and in the presence of the other members - in other words - at the meeting. His crime - and this he has now publicly acknowledged - is to refer to The Confessor - as "a "w****r" (a clue: slang for self abuse - as it used to be referred to so quaintly. So it would seem that to atone for one act of abuse requires that one engages in another act of self abuse - strange logic - but that's the cult for you!) Apparently, for membership, and quite possibly continued attendance at the meeting, The Confessor "absolutely insists" that such acts of public admission take place. Again we're not sure which Tradition covers this one (let alone which Step) but obviously The Confessor has access to some esoteric knowledge that sanctions this authority (which he has vested in himself), and which we do not possess. And so, it would seem, the "act" of self abasement was carried out last night at the meeting, and with all due ceremony. We don't think they went quite as far as "suggesting" the reprobate wear a hair shirt, or that any whipping took place - maybe next time! We're sure that everyone (with one obvious exception) derived an enormous amount of spiritual benefit from watching the performance. Indeed, it would appear that The Confessor (Tooting Dave) has developed a taste for witnessing such acts (sounds almost perverted doesn't it? Maybe it is) because it turns out that there are other members too whom the Confessor has judged need to make similar reparations, and thus avoid excommunication from the hallowed sanctuary of the Tankerton (cult) meeting, and, worse still, separation from the blessed presence of The Confessor.
So there are you - if you're feeling at a bit of a loose end, or maybe you want to top up your humiliation levels, get along to Tankerton, do something that the Confessor doesn't like - this could grow into quite a long list - and then make a grovelling public apology for it afterwards. He'll love it, you'll feel so much better, and then onwards towards sainthood - NOT!
Or maybe just go to an AA meeting instead
Cheerio
The Fellas
PS Guess who's secretary of the group now??
13/04/09
Tankerton Tuesday
Well it seems that the Tankerton Tuesday group is busy promoting itself. A
Prayers on knees to a higher power: In Judaism it is certainly not a frequent custom to kneel when praying and there are indeed specific prohibitions against doing so under certain circumstances. Someone of that religion might find such advice objectionable - plus there is no mention of this in the book "Alcoholics Anonymous" - the basic text of the AA - but there you are! Every group has the right to be wrong!
Reading AA literature: well that's an interesting one. The entire format of this meeting is downloaded from a non AA website. You name it - the whole shebang is off-the-peg from a cult website. It's quite crafty really. There's large chunks of legitimate AA conference approved literature interwoven with bits and pieces of some unknown individual (or individuals) opinions on all sorts of diverse things. So everything about this meeting is imported from non AA sources - from the intro - to the readings - it's a pre-packaged, pre-digested production - and the funny (if you've got a warped sense of humour) thing is that most of the people who attend the meeting don't even know it. There is no attempt to make it clear that this stuff has little to do with anything produced by AA - which is itself contrary to guidelines on the matter. But ho hum! - every group has the right to be wrong!
Ring your sponsor: (at an agreed time). Another cult suggestion - our advice on this one is (apart from avoid like the plague getting a sponsor from this group - and any other group like it) if someone offers to be your sponsor, smile at them sweetly, thank them politely, and then move off quickly in the other direction - with or without your back to them (optional) whilst doing so.
Ring newcomers: This is part of the pyramid selling scheme employed by this group (and Strood Thursday, Road to Recovery Plymouth etc). Looks good at first sight but the number of tales we've heard tell of some hapless newcomer being bombarded with cloned phone calls, and being given all sorts of weird (and downright insane) advice shows this "suggestion" up for what it is - promotion - definitely not attraction. Another piece of advice (we are being generous today!) - if you're a newcomer don't give your number out to anybody - not until you've got to know them and feel OK about it. Otherwise your phone number is your business and nobody else's.
When angry or annoyed at someone: There's a lot of this about in cult groups - they must be absolutely enraged at the failure of AA members to go along with all their "suggestions". It's quite interesting watching one of the "select" lose it finally. The spiritual "veneer" peels away quite easily and we are all treated to a bit of "righteous anger". But the general principle is sound and actually does appear in the Big Book. But we would draw the line at the last part of this section: "Please God, bless XXX and let her have everything I would wish for myself" - not always a safe bet to play - after all who's to say that what we wish for ourselves is necessarily a desirable condition for someone else - a teensy bit presumptuous, if not arrogant, we might say.
Service: another "suggestion" - commit to two weekly meetings - and have two home groups - again nothing in the rule book that says you only have to have one home group - but again we have to translate this from cult speak into normal language ie. go to two cult meetings a week - and for God's sake try not to wander into an AA meeting by accident because you'll only have to listen to a lot of people "vomiting" up their feelings, thoughts, troubles etc. So the advice is until you've finished your Fifth step keep your trap shut, and until you've done your Ninth step (not sure if this means halfway through or not) then you're not qualified to go on "missionary work" to carry the cult message to the benighted heathen (that would be ordinary AA members, by the way). It is in this fashion the cult endeavours to quarantine its members from any contaminating contact with the generality of AA members and their "garbled", "diluted", "therapy laden", "vomited", and "off-" message.
And finally - Speak to your Sponsor: So not only do you ring your Sponsor every day (at the agreed time) but then you speak to them. We think this is a very dangerous innovation. Speaking might involve thinking, and we just can't have newcomers going around doing that. No sirree! The best thing to do is to abdicate all responsibility for your own recovery, put the God business to one side and instead "Do exactly what your Sponsor says!" It is only thus that recovery is assured.
And finally finally, it's not advertised on the flier but hot food is a regular feature of the meeting - so if you're feeling a bit peckish one evening then never mind the burger bar, or the fish and chip shop, get along to Tankerton, or any good cult group near you - and get yourself a "free" meal - sorry dears - in this life there's no such thing as a free meal - everything costs!
Cheers
The Fellas
19/02/09
Canterbury Thursday
Well what a lucky group! It has now acquired a new greeter. Such an event is not usually a matter for wild celebration but in this case the group has really fallen on its feet. They have been graced with the offices of none other than Tooting Dave, a stalwart of the Kearsney Wednesday evening meeting, a local cult hotspot in East Kent. So AA members will no longer have to suffer the indignity of having their hands shaken by some scruffy looking individual wearing jeans and a T-shirt. Not a chance! Instead they will be thoroughly, if not insincerely, welcomed to the meeting by a SUIT. It does seem a little ironic to have a cult greeter at an AA meeting but alcoholics are well known for their surreal sense of humour. The Canterbury Thursday group however is fully aware of the situation. At a group conscience they were put in the picture by an AA member who advised them of the probable dangers of having any cult member holding office in an AA group. We're placing bets here in the aacultwatch office on how long it is before more of the pointed headed ones turn up and start demanding hot food after the meeting, together with steering committees, mandatory sponsorship and of course giving out lethal advice on prescribed medication to newcomers.
For those who really do enjoy 'growth through pain' then the Canterbury Saturday night meeting also offers that unique opportunity. The group is routinely subjected to a rant from another cult member, who plays a regular spot at that venue. The word is that the performance - for that is what it is - is becoming more and more bizarre. So if you're at a loose end on that particular evening pop along to the Age Concern Centre and give your gratitude levels a boost, and thank your lucky stars that you don't have to end up like that.
And even more from Canterbury. If you check your 'Where to Finds' you'll see that there are no less than two Big Book meetings in the city. Now it depends on your tastes of course, but if you want to go to an AA Big Book meeting then your best bet is Monday. If you want to get the cult version then Friday's the one to go to.
Cheers
The Fellas
06/02/09
The cult makes moves on the Canterbury Thursday meeting
Latest information from an aacultwatch reporter at the group last night. Group conscience proposals now include the traditional cult offerings amongst which:
- hot food to be provided at the group (an inappropriate use of AA funds and a typical example of cult group promotion and a breach of Tradition Four).
Additionally traditional cult practices have now been repackaged:
– a “ buddy” system has also been proposed. This sounds innocuous enough but the question has got to be how “friendly” will your new buddy actually be? Maybe he or she will start with a few cult “suggestions” – ie. just go to approved cult meetings, get a cult sponsor, follow cult suggestions, let your “friend” run your life for you, suspend your own judgement because your new sponsor – sorry “buddy” – will be making all the important decisions in your life for the foreseeable future. Don’t worry your little head about stuff like relationships, employment, financial matters, sex, child rearing, education etc – all you need to concentrate on is staying sober – your “buddy” will take care of all the rest – including which Higher Power you should believe in – well it’s obvious isn’t it? Your new bestest friend, your buddy, is God from now on.
There you go! All neatly packaged, a pre-digested programme ready to be slipped down the newcomer’s throat. Never mind all that untidy and unsanctioned (by the cult!) suffering – remember in Cultville – Misery is Optional. Don’t bother with all that messy character building stuff. Who needs a backbone when you’ve got the cult? No more independent thinking, or having opinions, or working it out all by yourself. No – perish the thought! Much better to leave that in the “competent” and “medically unqualified” hands of a good buddy. So for anyone who wants to get a viewing of the sequel to the Stepford Wives, just mosey on down to your local STEPford group – and you too will be transported to the Land where all Dreams Come True, no doubt with a bluebird chirping merrily on your shoulder and a pretty rainbow floating across the sky in the background.
Ahhhh!
Cheerio
The Fellas
2/01/09
Tankerton Tuesday
We are receiving reports that members of this group continue to propagate their dangerous message to newcomers who have the misfortune to encounter them. Despite some primarily cosmetic concessions made in response to pressure applied by Alcoholics Anonymous this cult group (among others) persists in “suggesting” to new and vulnerable individuals that they discontinue their prescribed medication, this “advice” proffered under the guise that the only way to recover from alcoholism is under the direction of a sponsor, and completely free of medication. This potentially lethal “recommendation” is given despite the fact that AA guidelines clearly imply a contrary position with reference to the latter:
The General Service conference "... recommends that members of AA should not, under any circumstances, meddle in the relationship between doctor and patient, especially in matters of treatment and medication. AA's position is and should always be non-interference in such matters ...' 'Our society therefore will prudently cleave to its single purpose; the carrying of the message to the alcoholic who still suffers.'
PS We still occasionally receive what can only be described as daft emails to the effect that this website is bringing AA into disrepute. In our view a failure to act on these life-threatening issues is what will cast AA in a poor light, an omission that can only be regarded as highly irresponsible if not downright immoral. For those who claim that AA unity is to be sustained “at any cost” then let them pick up the tab because the bill is currently being paid by the new man or woman. Finally for those who like to bask in the warm glow of their own recovery, safe and secure from the blandishments of the cult, perhaps this might be a good time to reflect on just what it feels like to arrive in AA with your life, mind, body, emotions and spirit in tatters, and be greeted by a fool promising everything and delivering nothing – for that precisely is what is on offer from the cult.
The Fellas
19/12/08
Update: The cult in East Kent
A new cult group is starting up in Canterbury in the New Year. Fortunately Alcoholics Anonymous (the real one that is) in that area has proved healthily resistant to the blandishments of the cult and has declined what they have to offer. Unable to get a toehold in the existing AA groups they are starting up their own version. Let us just remind you exactly what the cult groups and members have to offer:-
1) Dangerous advice on prescribed medication. Contrary to AA guidelines on the matter they continue to put pressure on dual diagnosis members (usually newcomers and therefore the most vulnerable) to stop taking medication that has been prescribed by a qualified health practitioner. They continue to make claims (false) that such people are unlikely to recover (or in some cases that they WILL NOT recover) if they continue with their prescribed regimes.
2) Interference in any counselling that newcomers might be receiving (again usually from qualified health practitioners). We have received reports of it being “suggested” to newcomers that they discontinue their therapy whilst being “sponsored” through the steps by cult members. This ensures that the “sponsor” is able to control their sponsee without any outside interference.
3) “Strongly suggest” or put pressure on newcomers to get sponsors and usually approach the new man or woman and “offer” to sponsor them. Generally newcomers are told that they should get a sponsor from within the cult group and not from AA groups. Traditionally in AA it is the prerogative of the new person to decide if they wish to avail themselves of sponsorship and the initiative lies with them to approach a more experienced member. Under the guise of so-called sponsorship cult members foist themselves upon newcomers (again assuring the latter that they will not recover unless they have a sponsor) and then proceed to run their lives. The sponsee is explicitly instructed to “do exactly what their sponsor says”.
4) Present a perverted version of the recovery programme of AA. All sorts of “suggestions” (cult speak for “Do this or else!”) are presented as if they constitute part of the Twelve Steps. Anyone with even a casual knowledge of the basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous would be hard pressed to discover any relationship between what is presented in this literature and what is advocated by the cult.
5) Continue to undermine AA unity by referring to it as “having lost its way”, “its members are sick” etc. Furthermore the cult groups continue to direct newcomers to attend only their meetings (see Margate Friday among others) using these claims as a justification.
6) Run alternative conventions (Plymouth, East London, Canterbury) to propagate their message whilst trying to blur the lines between AA participation and their own agenda.
And so it goes on. See rest of site for more details.
Soon to come – more information on the dual diagnosis/prescribed medication issue.
14/12/08
Update from Margate Friday
Well apparently a thorough investigation by that group has revealed that in fact no “rogue” Where to Find’s have been issued by them. You may recall that it was alleged this group was only directing newcomers to other cult meetings in the area – viz Tankerton Tuesday, Kearsney Wednesday, Hythe Monday – and coming soon Canterbury Friday. But it was all a mistake. It would seem that the group had unfortunately run out of the regular Where to Finds and someone had helpfully written out some directions on a bit of paper for another member. Ah well - no problem then. Unfortunately that doesn’t explain the actions of the Margate Friday group members who were offered replacements by an AA member at the meeting itself. Apparently this offer was declined with the claim that the Margate Friday group doesn’t use AA Where to Finds anymore. So business as usual – if the truth isn’t convenient – just tell a lie!!
Cheerio
The Fellas
15/09/08
A member’s eye view
Quote:
"Dear Fellows.
I am a member of the ….. of Alcoholics Anonymous. Principally, I regard the ….. Meeting …… as a safe place for all. I extend quiet and unconditional service to the meeting, my fellows and the venue - I'm a 'foot-soldier' as my closest fellow in the rooms likes to call it and he should know - he showed me the way. My perception of the last 2 years or so in the Fellowship, has been mixed. I've seen and heard beautiful things - small miracles. I also felt the desolation of questioning this Fellowship because I felt 'I didn't know it' anymore as a ‘safe place'. In all intensive purposes, I would attend meetings and feel threatened, isolated, ridiculed as a ‘sick person’ and once again, I felt I was looking towards the ‘abyss’ all be it, sober.
My closest trusted friend and fellow, never tells me what to do, he shows me, or suggests to me. During my personal turmoil’s, when these new breed old timers, with considerable sobriety of up to 3 years, with ego, ‘agenda’, predatory sexual behaviour to the opposite sex, manipulation of newcomers for personal gain, their strategies and most impressive of all, ultra fast-track step work, good foot soldier that he is, he quietly explained a few things to me. He knew how I felt because he felt the same and mentioned other people do as well.
Having read through your site and also from what I have seen and heard inside and outside the rooms, I know there are some very busy people within East Kent Alcoholics Anonymous and further a field, who would seem to fall in the category of, ‘a cult’ in my perception. It is a very difficult thing for me to share appropriately about, because what recovery I have been blessed with today, is centred on patience, tolerance, love, understanding and acceptance to the best of my ability. This doesn’t make me a saint and/or super sober, but it gives me a better chance of living the ‘Primary Purpose’ on an unconditional basis, just for today. However, some things just ain’t right and need to be said, so thank you for your service in raising awareness of the actions of some. I don’t believe this will become a ‘perfect Fellowship’ as a consequence, but it will hopefully go someway in protecting the newcomers through exposing the agendas of some, and protecting the existing members from feeling alienated in something which was once to them, a safe place.
As a result of a little knowledge, I will be attending the ……. Intergroup meeting on the …. of September…….. I am completely under whelmed with ….., questionable nominations and ratifications (I went along to the previous Intergroup Meeting in June as part of the ‘great unwashed’, sorry-visitor) and the generous 29 seconds allocated to each of the 41 possible GSR’s in the meeting agenda. Pity the only report worth hearing last quarter (Broadstairs Sunday) wasn’t even minuted accurately.
I don’t believe these issues will ever completely go away, we are all recovery to a greater or lesser extent, but perhaps one day, egos will deflate, agendas will evaporate and newcomers will unilaterally be given the chance to discover a solution in safety, because the ‘Ego-Meisters’, will have taken a day off and got bored in doing the things that they did, perhaps going in search of a ‘higher level of AA’ to observe, convert and then manipulate.
Thank God it’s a simple program.
Anon
….."
[Editor’s comment: the considerable number of edits to the article have been carried out by us to help protect the identity of the contributor. We would draw your attention to our policy on abusive or bullying behaviour on the part of cult members. If we receive information that any member of AA has been subjected to threats, intimidation, harassment or acts of that nature and we are satisfied that these complaints are genuine (via corroboration eg. eye witness accounts, documentary evidence, text messages, telephone calls etc) we will publish the name(s) of the perpetrators and identify the groups with which they are associated].
18/08/08
And X marks the spot!
Here is a contribution from a newcomer to the Fellowship - the events referred to occurred over the last few weeks. (Warning: some of the language might offend - but we find the conduct of the cult even more offensive)
Quote:
"My name is K and I am an alcoholic. I found the rooms very briefly some 12 years ago, then again 5 years ago and then 2 years ago whilst in prison. I’ve just come out of prison and whilst there for 7 months I attended AA once a week for 7 months. I got my own Big Book and started working steps 1, 2 and 3. I met someone who was doing service coming into the prison once every 3 weeks and because it’s very limited to whom you can ask to be your sponsor in jail I said to X that I had done steps 1, 2 and 3 and had started step four but was struggling could he sponsor me? After that meeting when all the other cons had gone out of the room he asked me if I was on any medication. I replied “No” to which he said, “OK. That’s good because I would not have been able to sponsor you if you were”. I thought this was a bit weird because I was asking him to sponsor me around my getting well from alcohol, not prescribed drugs. He is a recovering alcoholic, not a doctor!
Anyway I’m not on any prescribed medication so no problem which is what I thought at the time. So I had 2 regular slots in the week that my cell mate was not around and I could do my step 4 work. There were some particular resentments I couldn’t do in jail as I felt I needed some help in doing them – so I waited until I was freed thinking I would be able to sit down with X and go through some of the more awkward resentments.
When released I went to one of X’s meetings that very night to show that I was willing. I travelled down from Gravesend to Margate and the meeting resulted in me being overwhelmed with the swapping of phone numbers. It was also asked of me, “Do I go to Tankerton?” I said, “No”, saying, “I’m from Gravesend”. It was then suggested I go to Strood, Rochester and the Tuesday Gravesend meetings. I have been working voluntary in a drop in centre in my spare time and I phoned my sponsor one day saying I was having trouble with my resentment. He suggested I take them up to him implying he would sit down with me and help me work through the more difficult ones with me – after all I was and am still truly troubled. Oh yes – he also said I was to phone him every day at 2 o’clock, get down on knees and pray and write 10, preferably 12 items on my gratitude list explaining that because there was 12 steps, 12 traditions and 12 concepts that it was a good number.
I continued to do this until the next Friday meeting which I was very anxious to get to to go through some of my harder resentments – "I mean how the fuck could I forgive someone for nonceing [this term is derived from the word “nonce” – prison slang for a sex offender] my children” - hopefully X would show me how. Friday came and armed with my resentments and bolstered courage off I went expecting a little compassion and willingness from X to help me. Well he helped me alright. At the end of the meeting I saw X who basically said, “Do this, this and this – you K will probably see how this leads back to yourself. See you next week”.
I was fucking devastated. I know it’s my shit but a little compassion would have been nice. I continued to ring X at 2 o’clock on the dot every day and to be honest something wasn’t right. I didn’t know what but something just wasn’t right!!
Thursday came and I went to an AA meeting which I now know to be mainstream AA. I shared there a little and at the end of the meeting it was suggested to me that I might be careful as there are CULT meetings about and they went on to explain a bit about how they work.
Also someone in mainstream AA offered to start taking me to meetings which I was and still am eternally grateful. That night I sat up troubled most of the night and ended up coming to the decision that I would sack X as I didn’t feel he was right for me. I also ripped up my step work as I feel and it is about me – that things were happening too soon. I did sack X the next day. No sooner had this happened I got a phone call from one of his many sponsees. Incidentally when at the Friday Margate meeting many members were very enthusiastic to show me just how many sponsees they had which were all 10 or more. Anyway this particular sponsee of X told me I was making the wrong choice in sacking X and when I told him I had made the decision to stick with someone I had met who was and still is taking me to meetings and that I had decided to take my time and get a bit of sobriety before I chose someone I feel is right for me to be my sponsor – after all it’s about me in my time – that particular sponsee of X’s then suggested I go to the Tuesday Gravesend meeting, Strood and Rochester saying they’re good meetings - I think he means cult meetings. I’ve been to a meeting almost every night since but this last Tuesday my lift was busy so I thought I would go to the Tuesday (Gravesend) meeting. Big mistake. When I went in people seemed to know X and when I spoke about why I had sacked him one particular person was very quick to show me why I was wrong and I should carry on with my steps as soon as possible. The meeting was very intimidating with people at the front and rows of chairs facing them. NO negativity in the main share - all sun and roses. After the meeting people gathered around me and someone asked if they could have my number. I gave a resounding NO!! Also someone who had a few months under his belt tried to tell me how well he was after doing the steps, but I could tell cause he had the look of a fanatic that this man was not well at all – he was brainwashed by a group of people who seem to be in competition with each other into completing step work with sponsees. This in my mind is a cult and nothing but a cult – it’s how suicide bombers come about. That is the only time since going to mainstream AA that I have felt intimidated and that is bad. That particular meeting is aimed at beginners – when someone shares it’s not the same format as mainstream AA. When I shared the person held his hand up and did not put it down until I finished because I wanted to talk and should have been the most important person there. I’m truly worried for the newcomer who walks into one of their meetings as it could kill them or maybe reprogramme them.
I am much happier now I’m going to mainstream AA and consider myself lucky to be around people who are not pushy and carry the message with compassion and honesty. I now know it’s about me in my time.
Thanks X! You should be proud of yourself – if I hadn’t have found mainstream AA sooner I could be dead now. It’s about the newcomer doing things at his pace. God knows, it’s hard enough in the beginning without being another statistic!
I owe a lot to a few people and I thank them – they could have quite possibly saved my life or saved me from yet another drink/drug related prison sentence.
K
PS Sorry I am an alcoholic – sorry, I’m allowed to forget.
They also at the Tuesday Gravesend meeting invited me to share a meal with them cause it was a good way to bond. I did begin to wonder whether it was me on the menu. Thank mainstream [AA] I didn’t go on the piss cause they gave me plenty of resentments. Please don’t let this happen to anyone else. X - I know you know this is me – if you have a conscience please don’t kill anyone
K"
Over to you
The Fellas
17/08/08
An “alternate” East Kent Intergroup
Well it’s that time again - the quarterly fun and games at East Kent Intergroup.
A member has very kindly sent us a very, very pretty diagram of the seating arrangements for East Kent’s Intergroup meeting. We’ve got to say it’s absolutely awesome. There is one area for Intergroup officers and GSRs around the table whereas visitors are permitted to sit on the periphery presumably so that they may gaze the more easily upon the magnificence of the performance. In some respects it brings to mind the seating arrangement of the Globe Theatre but with the positions slightly reversed. In the latter case the “groundlings” are permitted to stand in front of the stage and therefore have the advantage of a closer view of the action whilst the galleries are occupied by the merchants and minor nobility. Of course the prime sites are reserved for the truly “big cheeses” who are permitted to occupy seats on the stage itself. The AA Cult Watch feng shui advisor (yes we have one on the staff) has suggested the layout may not be the most conducive for balancing the yin and yang elements of the day and unfortunately the building itself is not properly aligned to be of optimum use as living quarters but apparently would make an ideal burial site. However the top table has remained in its traditional position – so now EVERYONE KNOWS THEIR PLACE!
“What though of the agenda?” we hear you cry. “Patience” we reply, “truly is a virtue”. This has been set out in splendid tabular form – these people definitely know their Microsoft Word. We won’t go into too much detail on this one – just the more pertinent elements. Now a trend has been identified with this particular Intergroup’s operations. It’s showing all the hallmarks of a cult run affair – which is hardly surprising since the Vice Chairman is the local cult guru a la Kearsney etc. Now one of the favoured techniques is what we would term the “fait accompli” move. This has the advantage of circumventing all that messy discussion on Intergroup policy and the appointment of Intergroup officers. This technique was applied with some success in the co-opting and subsequent ratification of the Health Liaison officer. After all it’s a lot easier to confirm someone in a position who is already fulfilling that function than have to bother with all that palaver of starting from scratch; the question of course as to whether they are at all suitable or even actually capable of doing the job is a mere side issue. Now in this particular agenda there has magically appeared the nomination of an “Alternate Conference Delegate” a Simon M (the one who wears the glasses – definitely not to be confused with the Simon M – the one who doesn’t wear the glasses). The former Simon M (“Glasses”) is a cult member hailing from the Kearsney/Tankerton/Margate grouping within East Kent. He also has very close links with the Strood/Gravesend/Rochester gang up in West Kent. Since he is associated with the Margate Friday group (who have a confirmed policy of refusing to refer or even notify newcomers of the existence of the 38 AA groups in East Kent and instead push these unfortunates in the direction of the other cult meetings in East Kent - and also to the cult meetings in West Kent) we would be interested to hear what his stance might be on Traditions One and Four – that’s if he has actually heard of them. We would also be interested to hear (and perhaps East Kent Intergroup also) what his stance on the sponsorship of those members who are taking prescribed medication might be. We would advise Simon to be very careful to ensure that his responses are accurate and in no way misleading – and to try and avoid the “not in my experience” ploy because we’ve all heard that one before. Or to put it another way does East Kent Intergroup think it a good idea to have a conference delegate (albeit alternate) representing the South East region who supports groups who deliberately break Traditions One and Four and who pursue a policy with regard to medication which is in direct opposition to AA guidelines on the matter? Should this person at all be considered suitable to bear this responsibility then we would suggest that East Kent Intergroup has lost its collective sanity in even considering such an individual as a candidate for the office.
We shall come back to Simon (with the glasses) at a later date – it seems he has been very busy in promoting the cult message. A little clue for our readers – let’s just say X marks the spot!
Over to you
The Fellas
06/08/08
An Update from East Kent
Quote:
“Just to let you know that in Kent, the Kearsney (nr. Dover) lot have started a 'newcomers' meeting in Tankerton, Whitstable, Kent on a Tuesday night... They use all the cult techniques here and it is a great way of harvesting phonenumbers and sponsee's... I have also heard from other East Kent groups that at a meeting in Thanet, they have stopped giving out the AA Where to Find leaflets and instead just give out a slip with the details of the Kearsney & Tankerton meetings... This really upsets me immensley as I know what it is like to be a newcomer and how vulnerable you are when you turn up at your first few meetings... M”
Quote:
“Just to let you know that in Kent, the Kearsney (nr. Dover) lot have started a 'newcomers' meeting in Tankerton, Whitstable, Kent on a Tuesday night... They use all the cult techniques here and it is a great way of harvesting phonenumbers and sponsee's... I have also heard from other East Kent groups that at a meeting in Thanet, they have stopped giving out the AA Where to Find leaflets and instead just give out a slip with the details of the Kearsney & Tankerton meetings... This really upsets me immensley as I know what it is like to be a newcomer and how vulnerable you are when you turn up at your first few meetings... M”
The above indicates what has been going on for some time in the cult groups. The so-called “newcomers” or “beginners” meetings are set up by the cult (or are targeted by the cult where they already exist) as a means of gaining maximum access to the most vulnerable members of AA – the newcomers. Since for the vast majority of these new people this is their first contact with AA they are in no position to determine what the Fellowship (and its message) is actually about. They are presented with the perverted form that is carried by the cult within AA and then it is “suggested” to them that they stick with cult meetings and not bother with AA meetings. This then allows the cult to reinforce their conditioning methods to effectively brainwash them. We have to say that this does raise the question of why “newcomers” or “beginners” meetings are being set up at all? As far as we’re aware ALL AA meetings are for newcomers:
The AA Preamble
“ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.”
The AA Preamble
“ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.”
Perhaps it is time to reconsider whether such meetings constitute so-called “non-restrictive” (this is an example of what George Orwell called “double think” – a central concept in his novel “1984” a rather dismal speculation on the future) specialist meetings and in fact actually break the Traditions of AA.
While we’re in the area some interesting news on the cult style of sponsorship. Viz. a report of a conversation overheard between a cult sponsor and ex-sponsee. Unfortunately the latter had broken the rules and had relapsed. The sponsor had decided that the time had come for them to part company. Was the reason that perhaps the unfortunate fellow might fare better with a new start, maybe new meetings and a new sponsor? Apparently not – it would seem that the motivation was based on the fact the relapse would be “Bad for my (the sponsor) image”. This pretty well sums up the cult’s main preoccupation – image; slick presentation and marketing, hot meals, orchestrated sharing, assembly line microwave recovery schedules, a list of do’s and don’ts, strict hierarchical structure etc – or as the Big Books refers to it: “Frothy emotional appeal seldom suffices. The message which can interest and hold these alcoholic people must have depth and weight” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. xxvi)– something of which the cult has absolutely no grasp (yes – we know the Big Book as well!)
And while we’re on the subject of meals it would seem that one of the meetings run by the Hythe group has been turned into a Big Book event. Nothing wrong with that we hear you say – but the problem is it’s a Big Book meeting cult style. So there will be soup served at its conclusion – with baguettes we hear. We wonder if the soup is going to be frothy as well?
Finally Deal Sunday is coming out in a nasty rash as well! Let’s hope they get well soon.
Cheers
The Fellas
While we’re in the area some interesting news on the cult style of sponsorship. Viz. a report of a conversation overheard between a cult sponsor and ex-sponsee. Unfortunately the latter had broken the rules and had relapsed. The sponsor had decided that the time had come for them to part company. Was the reason that perhaps the unfortunate fellow might fare better with a new start, maybe new meetings and a new sponsor? Apparently not – it would seem that the motivation was based on the fact the relapse would be “Bad for my (the sponsor) image”. This pretty well sums up the cult’s main preoccupation – image; slick presentation and marketing, hot meals, orchestrated sharing, assembly line microwave recovery schedules, a list of do’s and don’ts, strict hierarchical structure etc – or as the Big Books refers to it: “Frothy emotional appeal seldom suffices. The message which can interest and hold these alcoholic people must have depth and weight” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. xxvi)– something of which the cult has absolutely no grasp (yes – we know the Big Book as well!)
And while we’re on the subject of meals it would seem that one of the meetings run by the Hythe group has been turned into a Big Book event. Nothing wrong with that we hear you say – but the problem is it’s a Big Book meeting cult style. So there will be soup served at its conclusion – with baguettes we hear. We wonder if the soup is going to be frothy as well?
Finally Deal Sunday is coming out in a nasty rash as well! Let’s hope they get well soon.
Cheers
The Fellas
24/07/08
Margate Friday. Yep – it’s official!
The Margate Friday group has adopted a policy of non-display of the East Kent “Where to Find”. Instead newcomers are directed to the other two cult meetings in the area – Kearsney Wednesday and Tankerton Tuesday (this is completely in line with the cult practice of seeking to ‘contain’ newcomers only in their groups until they have been sufficiently conditioned with the cult message). In the meantime the local AA meetings are having to deal with the increasing numbers of “refugees” exiting from these groups tired of being force fed “micro wave” recovery that is one of the trademarks of the cult dogma. There is evidence of high relapse rates emanating from these groups (so it would seem on that evidence that perhaps their message is not quite as superior as their propaganda would suggest).
Over to you
The Fellas
The Margate Friday group has adopted a policy of non-display of the East Kent “Where to Find”. Instead newcomers are directed to the other two cult meetings in the area – Kearsney Wednesday and Tankerton Tuesday (this is completely in line with the cult practice of seeking to ‘contain’ newcomers only in their groups until they have been sufficiently conditioned with the cult message). In the meantime the local AA meetings are having to deal with the increasing numbers of “refugees” exiting from these groups tired of being force fed “micro wave” recovery that is one of the trademarks of the cult dogma. There is evidence of high relapse rates emanating from these groups (so it would seem on that evidence that perhaps their message is not quite as superior as their propaganda would suggest).
Over to you
The Fellas
15/07/08
Faversham Sunday
Well it was a bright and sunny Sunday morning and our reporter strolled into the above meeting to be greeted by the sight of a cult member adorned in standard issue uniform ie. suited and booted – well not suited – it was quite warm. For one dreadful moment the thought crossed our friend’s mind that the group was about to be regaled with another nauseating scripted diatribe on the cult’s twisted version of the AA programme – but fortunately, or unfortunately (depending on your point of view), he disappeared into the neighbouring Al Anon meeting presumably to deliver an address there – our gain was their loss. To our Al Anon friends take heed! We refer you to the article on the site entitled “The Good Word” - 7/12/07 (Area News – South West).
Well it was a bright and sunny Sunday morning and our reporter strolled into the above meeting to be greeted by the sight of a cult member adorned in standard issue uniform ie. suited and booted – well not suited – it was quite warm. For one dreadful moment the thought crossed our friend’s mind that the group was about to be regaled with another nauseating scripted diatribe on the cult’s twisted version of the AA programme – but fortunately, or unfortunately (depending on your point of view), he disappeared into the neighbouring Al Anon meeting presumably to deliver an address there – our gain was their loss. To our Al Anon friends take heed! We refer you to the article on the site entitled “The Good Word” - 7/12/07 (Area News – South West).
11/07/08
The Canterbury cult convention (see 09/06/08 - A Cult Convention? We think so)
More details have been passed on to us relating to the recent cult convention held at the University of Kent. This was initially advertised on a flyer that was being distributed at cult meetings in the area (and also at the Ditton Friday (AA) meeting by one of their supporters). A second leaflet was available for those who booked via the contact email address (a University of Kent account). This second leaflet is entitled, “A Weekend of Meetings and Fellowship” but there is no reference as to what the meetings might be about and which Fellowship is being celebrated. The flyer goes into considerably more detail than the first. It carries information on dates, accommodation and costs. It expands on the host of entertainment opportunities available to the “overseas visitor”. There then follows a detailed itinerary of the weekend on a day-by-day basis and it is at this point that there is the first reference to AA - apparently on the Friday evening an “AA open Meeting” will be held. Additionally it is indicated that visitors to the convention will have been welcomed by “Greeters from local meetings” – again it is not clear what meetings these might be.
The itinerary continues for the following two days; on the Saturday the AA meeting has been replaced by a “Spiritual Meeting” and then on Sunday we are back to a “Sunday AA open Meeting” commencing at 6.45pm in the Grimond Lecture Theatre and concluding at 8.15pm. The whole event comes to an end at 10am Monday. On the concluding page of the flyer there is reference to: “Tradition 7 (pass the hat) will cover the cost of the lecture theatre and tea/coffee”.
It is worth commenting on a number of matters relating to this no doubt convivial gathering of like-minded people. Firstly the degree of detail that is exhibited in the information provided for the visitor to this occasion is quite striking. Certainly it is most helpful to know what local travel arrangements exist (buses and taxis) for an event held on a campus university; also some ideas about local entertainment might not go amiss. But the itinerary almost conveys the precision of a military operation. From the moment you are booked in not a second is left unaccounted for. Indeed so anxious are the organisers to ensure that none of the faithful should stray far they even include “Options” on the potential sources of entertainment that the gathering might wish to enjoy of an evening. So for example (and we jest not!):
More details have been passed on to us relating to the recent cult convention held at the University of Kent. This was initially advertised on a flyer that was being distributed at cult meetings in the area (and also at the Ditton Friday (AA) meeting by one of their supporters). A second leaflet was available for those who booked via the contact email address (a University of Kent account). This second leaflet is entitled, “A Weekend of Meetings and Fellowship” but there is no reference as to what the meetings might be about and which Fellowship is being celebrated. The flyer goes into considerably more detail than the first. It carries information on dates, accommodation and costs. It expands on the host of entertainment opportunities available to the “overseas visitor”. There then follows a detailed itinerary of the weekend on a day-by-day basis and it is at this point that there is the first reference to AA - apparently on the Friday evening an “AA open Meeting” will be held. Additionally it is indicated that visitors to the convention will have been welcomed by “Greeters from local meetings” – again it is not clear what meetings these might be.
The itinerary continues for the following two days; on the Saturday the AA meeting has been replaced by a “Spiritual Meeting” and then on Sunday we are back to a “Sunday AA open Meeting” commencing at 6.45pm in the Grimond Lecture Theatre and concluding at 8.15pm. The whole event comes to an end at 10am Monday. On the concluding page of the flyer there is reference to: “Tradition 7 (pass the hat) will cover the cost of the lecture theatre and tea/coffee”.
It is worth commenting on a number of matters relating to this no doubt convivial gathering of like-minded people. Firstly the degree of detail that is exhibited in the information provided for the visitor to this occasion is quite striking. Certainly it is most helpful to know what local travel arrangements exist (buses and taxis) for an event held on a campus university; also some ideas about local entertainment might not go amiss. But the itinerary almost conveys the precision of a military operation. From the moment you are booked in not a second is left unaccounted for. Indeed so anxious are the organisers to ensure that none of the faithful should stray far they even include “Options” on the potential sources of entertainment that the gathering might wish to enjoy of an evening. So for example (and we jest not!):
Option “A” go to “K” Bar (Keynes College) on campus, Open till 11.30 pm – Snack Food available (pizza, panini, baguettes etc), Relax for evening.
Option “B” – Get a No 6 Bus (from outside Keynes College building on main road)…(OR drive or taxi) to Canterbury Town Centre. It is suggested we head toward the Canterbury “Westgate Towers” (bottom of the High Street) and near there we will find many food outlets including “Caesar’s, The Marlowe, ASK pasta, Pizza Express”, and many others, take your pick and Dine!
Last Bus back to Uni, Number 6 – 11.15pm from “Westgate Towers”
Good Night … Zzzzzzzzzzz!
[underline is our emphasis - another suggestion?]
Nothing is left to chance that someone might have an original thought and want to do something quite different. Everything is carefully orchestrated – times, locales, instructions on relaxing, choosing a meal and even some helpful advice on what to do when you go to bed – sleep apparently.
Or, may we suggest, there is Option “C” – do your own thing – maybe a little poker, stroll in park (unsupervised), go to cinema – ooops now we’re doing it – whatever!
Now we come to Saturday. This can include a “bracing (quite challenging)” walk along the top of the White Cliffs of Dover. Now apparently there are some risks attached to this venture into the wilds; the walk is “at times isolated” – now perish the thought that anyone should be unsupervised for a second. The itinerary for the day continues with the concluding piece of advice “Good night..Zzzzzzzzz!” – just in case you'd forgotten from the previous day.
Sunday involves a trip to the beach where you can “explore and enjoy” – and it’s OK to do that because it’s received the seal of approval: “…. we love the beach!” So there you go – spontaneous enjoyment has been sanctioned. And at the end of the evening - yes – just in case it had slipped your mind: “..Zzzzzzzzzzz!”
Now we are coming to the end of this extensive instruction manual and just in case you’re not quite sure what to do and your sponsor is unavailable – never fear – for help is at hand. There is a phone contact list “for local people if you have questions or are in difficulty”. It is worth noting that all the contacts are members of the Strood/Rochester/Gravesend/Kearsney/Tankerton/Margate cult including one contact, none other than West Kent Intergroup’s ex vice Chairperson (and conference delegate?). We would be curious to know why this person who holds a position of considerable responsibility in AA is apparently supporting a cult convention – maybe they still think that cults are “spiritual” and mistook the convention for the cathedral.
Finally the footer to the whole leaflet:-
“Thank-you all for coming!……Where are we going Next year?”
Well some ideas do spring to mind but we have to be aware of the obscenity laws.
So there you have it – more clues to the control freakery that pervades the cult’s whole approach to the AA programme and most notably to newcomers – orchestrated, controlled, directed, scheduled, manipulated….
What would you like to do about it?
Cheers
Nothing is left to chance that someone might have an original thought and want to do something quite different. Everything is carefully orchestrated – times, locales, instructions on relaxing, choosing a meal and even some helpful advice on what to do when you go to bed – sleep apparently.
Or, may we suggest, there is Option “C” – do your own thing – maybe a little poker, stroll in park (unsupervised), go to cinema – ooops now we’re doing it – whatever!
Now we come to Saturday. This can include a “bracing (quite challenging)” walk along the top of the White Cliffs of Dover. Now apparently there are some risks attached to this venture into the wilds; the walk is “at times isolated” – now perish the thought that anyone should be unsupervised for a second. The itinerary for the day continues with the concluding piece of advice “Good night..Zzzzzzzzz!” – just in case you'd forgotten from the previous day.
Sunday involves a trip to the beach where you can “explore and enjoy” – and it’s OK to do that because it’s received the seal of approval: “…. we love the beach!” So there you go – spontaneous enjoyment has been sanctioned. And at the end of the evening - yes – just in case it had slipped your mind: “..Zzzzzzzzzzz!”
Now we are coming to the end of this extensive instruction manual and just in case you’re not quite sure what to do and your sponsor is unavailable – never fear – for help is at hand. There is a phone contact list “for local people if you have questions or are in difficulty”. It is worth noting that all the contacts are members of the Strood/Rochester/Gravesend/Kearsney/Tankerton/Margate cult including one contact, none other than West Kent Intergroup’s ex vice Chairperson (and conference delegate?). We would be curious to know why this person who holds a position of considerable responsibility in AA is apparently supporting a cult convention – maybe they still think that cults are “spiritual” and mistook the convention for the cathedral.
Finally the footer to the whole leaflet:-
“Thank-you all for coming!……Where are we going Next year?”
Well some ideas do spring to mind but we have to be aware of the obscenity laws.
So there you have it – more clues to the control freakery that pervades the cult’s whole approach to the AA programme and most notably to newcomers – orchestrated, controlled, directed, scheduled, manipulated….
What would you like to do about it?
Cheers
The Fellas
[Original on file]
29/06/08
Margate Friday
It seems that this group (together with Tankerton Tuesday and Kearsney Wednesday) has pretty well got all the angles covered when it comes to recovery from alcoholism. So confident are they of the comprehensive nature of their message that it would seem that the rest of East Kent AA has been rendered surplus to requirements. To this end it has been decided by Margate Friday to dispense with the tedious formality of an East Kent ‘Where To Find’ but instead to recommend to members that they just attend the trio of meetings that they comprise together with the above mentioned gruesome twosome.
This policy demonstrates an interesting connection to another piece of advice proffered to newcomers via the cult websites referred to in the article “Cult websites” 14/06/08. We quote:
“What if there are not daily meetings where I live? In big cities we have the luxury of daily meetings at many different times, so the ideal of daily AA service is immediately achievable for even the newest member. However, where there is a small AA population (eg in some rural areas and smaller towns) there will not be daily meetings. If there aren't daily meetings, then provided we have the willingness to go to any lengths and are aiming for that ideal of daily AA service, God will look after us. The model here is the example of the pioneers in AA when they only had perhaps one meeting a week. So although they did less meeting-based service they kept in daily contact with each other and with newcomers and did a lot of service outside the meeting (eg in hospitals) very quickly. We can read about this in the book Dr Bob and the Good Old-timers.
Do I need to do “90 in 90”? We quite often hear it suggested to people to do 90 meetings in 90 days when they first come in. This was not part of our experience. As we understand it, this arose at the instigation of the US justice system, which offered convicted drunk drivers a choice of sentences of either 90 days in prison or “90 meetings in 90 days”. While this practice is not necessarily going to cause any damage to an alcoholic, our experience is that it is usually not necessary.”
It would seem that the first obstacle to daily attendance at meetings hardly applies here. East Kent is not the wilds of North Dakota and there are a plentiful supply of accessible AA meetings every day of the week; all it requires is a little bit of effort and ingenuity to get to them (if one wishes). The second point also seems rather strange; whence the 90-day suggestion derives is of relatively little importance. It would seem a matter of commonsense that where an individual discovers that they are suffering from a potentially deadly disease the most natural response would be to gain as much knowledge about the condition as possible in the shortest time available, thereby ensuring the maximum chance of adopting an effective treatment method (where one is available). It would seem more likely that the cult’s ‘relaxed’ attitude to meeting attendance has more to do with the fact that if newcomers were indeed to attend 90 meetings in 90 days they would be exposed to actual AA meetings as well as the cult version of the fellowship and programme. In such a case newcomers would be in a much better position to judge the true nature of what was on offer as opposed to the perverted and distorted version presented by the cult. The cult has a vested interest in seeking to gain access to newcomers as soon as possible after they reach AA since they are most susceptible at this point to the “suggestions” put forward by the cult members. Anyone who has acquired even a minimal knowledge of the programme and the fellowship of AA would not even give the cult a side glance, seeing through its superficial and trite gloss easily. So in “our experience” we think it a good idea that people new to AA should try to get to as broad a spectrum of meetings as possible to make their own evaluation of what is on offer – and not to be too easily impressed by the traditional cult blandishments of insincere friendship, bribes and saccharine dogma.
The Fellas
It seems that this group (together with Tankerton Tuesday and Kearsney Wednesday) has pretty well got all the angles covered when it comes to recovery from alcoholism. So confident are they of the comprehensive nature of their message that it would seem that the rest of East Kent AA has been rendered surplus to requirements. To this end it has been decided by Margate Friday to dispense with the tedious formality of an East Kent ‘Where To Find’ but instead to recommend to members that they just attend the trio of meetings that they comprise together with the above mentioned gruesome twosome.
This policy demonstrates an interesting connection to another piece of advice proffered to newcomers via the cult websites referred to in the article “Cult websites” 14/06/08. We quote:
“What if there are not daily meetings where I live? In big cities we have the luxury of daily meetings at many different times, so the ideal of daily AA service is immediately achievable for even the newest member. However, where there is a small AA population (eg in some rural areas and smaller towns) there will not be daily meetings. If there aren't daily meetings, then provided we have the willingness to go to any lengths and are aiming for that ideal of daily AA service, God will look after us. The model here is the example of the pioneers in AA when they only had perhaps one meeting a week. So although they did less meeting-based service they kept in daily contact with each other and with newcomers and did a lot of service outside the meeting (eg in hospitals) very quickly. We can read about this in the book Dr Bob and the Good Old-timers.
Do I need to do “90 in 90”? We quite often hear it suggested to people to do 90 meetings in 90 days when they first come in. This was not part of our experience. As we understand it, this arose at the instigation of the US justice system, which offered convicted drunk drivers a choice of sentences of either 90 days in prison or “90 meetings in 90 days”. While this practice is not necessarily going to cause any damage to an alcoholic, our experience is that it is usually not necessary.”
It would seem that the first obstacle to daily attendance at meetings hardly applies here. East Kent is not the wilds of North Dakota and there are a plentiful supply of accessible AA meetings every day of the week; all it requires is a little bit of effort and ingenuity to get to them (if one wishes). The second point also seems rather strange; whence the 90-day suggestion derives is of relatively little importance. It would seem a matter of commonsense that where an individual discovers that they are suffering from a potentially deadly disease the most natural response would be to gain as much knowledge about the condition as possible in the shortest time available, thereby ensuring the maximum chance of adopting an effective treatment method (where one is available). It would seem more likely that the cult’s ‘relaxed’ attitude to meeting attendance has more to do with the fact that if newcomers were indeed to attend 90 meetings in 90 days they would be exposed to actual AA meetings as well as the cult version of the fellowship and programme. In such a case newcomers would be in a much better position to judge the true nature of what was on offer as opposed to the perverted and distorted version presented by the cult. The cult has a vested interest in seeking to gain access to newcomers as soon as possible after they reach AA since they are most susceptible at this point to the “suggestions” put forward by the cult members. Anyone who has acquired even a minimal knowledge of the programme and the fellowship of AA would not even give the cult a side glance, seeing through its superficial and trite gloss easily. So in “our experience” we think it a good idea that people new to AA should try to get to as broad a spectrum of meetings as possible to make their own evaluation of what is on offer – and not to be too easily impressed by the traditional cult blandishments of insincere friendship, bribes and saccharine dogma.
The Fellas
11/02/08
An alternative service structure developing in East and West Kent
Ah well! It's time to move away from personality issues and get on to the more serious matter of the cult’s agenda of undermining the service structure of AA and its continuing breach of AA traditions.
Information from a number of sources indicate that the concerted and co-ordinated strategy managed via the Strood/Rochester/Gravesend (Tues) and Kearsney (Wed)/Tankerton cult groups continues. It has been confirmed that the Literature Secretary (WKIG) and cult member has passed out AA posters to members with the usual AA number replaced and a local number (code 01634) put in its place. One of these has been discovered in a doctor’s surgery in Gravesend by a member who pointed out to the staff there that the poster did not display the correct contact number; this poster was subsequently removed. The cult do not YET control the telephone responders’ system and this would seem to be an attempt to bypass that contact mechanism to ensure that newcomers are directed to cult controlled groups rather than AA groups. A complaint on the matter will be passed to WKIG although since this body is largely run by the cult on past performance this will not even get to the 'slapped wrist' stage.
This particular incident serves to illustrate the cult’s determination to either control the service structure of AA by having its members dominate the various levels of the structure – or where this cannot be achieved then to replace these functions with its own versions.
So in East Kent (via the Kearsney (Wed) and Tankerton groups) Whitstable in particular has been targeted. Posters have been delivered to various shops, businesses and GPs in the area (so we are informed) by individuals claiming to be AA members. They have employed a hard sell approach, with one business in particular being visited no less than half a dozen times to ensure that the AA message was well and truly carried ad nauseam. These groups have bypassed the normal PI (Public Information) route for the area and have approached at least two schools for the purpose of presenting talks to the pupils and staff; one of these schools has been visited by two individuals who apparently made a less than favourable impression. Unfortunately for the cult the deputy headmistress of the school is a friend of an AA member. The lady in question asked the AA member to whom she could make a complaint on the matter since she and indeed the children had been unimpressed by the “showing off” of the two representatives of – well not AA – the cult. We would suggest that a formal complaint to York might serve to focus their attention.
In West Kent attempts have been made by the cult to establish their own links to treatment centres in the area – this function is normally carried out by the Health Liaison Officer but it is far from clear whether that officer has been made aware of this fact – we have good reason to believe ‘not’.
Additionally a flyer is currently being circulated by ‘AA?’ members (one of whom has been identified) advertising an event to be held in Canterbury in the summer. By all accounts it promises to be a most inviting occasion with all sorts of tourist attractions etc being advertised. It does not use the AA logo but it would suggest that an alternative convention is being organised. Unfortunately for the cult it has lost control of the convention in West Kent and so our members will not be regaled with non-stop 'cult speak' this summer. But this alternative venue should provide a welcome relief for those cult members who would otherwise have to endure the dreadful experience of listening to AA speakers, carrying the AA message in the spirit of AA – and apparently not having to get their talks scripted by their sponsors, or even sanctioned by these same divine (and we don’t mean pretty!) creatures.
Over to you
An alternative service structure developing in East and West Kent
Ah well! It's time to move away from personality issues and get on to the more serious matter of the cult’s agenda of undermining the service structure of AA and its continuing breach of AA traditions.
Information from a number of sources indicate that the concerted and co-ordinated strategy managed via the Strood/Rochester/Gravesend (Tues) and Kearsney (Wed)/Tankerton cult groups continues. It has been confirmed that the Literature Secretary (WKIG) and cult member has passed out AA posters to members with the usual AA number replaced and a local number (code 01634) put in its place. One of these has been discovered in a doctor’s surgery in Gravesend by a member who pointed out to the staff there that the poster did not display the correct contact number; this poster was subsequently removed. The cult do not YET control the telephone responders’ system and this would seem to be an attempt to bypass that contact mechanism to ensure that newcomers are directed to cult controlled groups rather than AA groups. A complaint on the matter will be passed to WKIG although since this body is largely run by the cult on past performance this will not even get to the 'slapped wrist' stage.
This particular incident serves to illustrate the cult’s determination to either control the service structure of AA by having its members dominate the various levels of the structure – or where this cannot be achieved then to replace these functions with its own versions.
So in East Kent (via the Kearsney (Wed) and Tankerton groups) Whitstable in particular has been targeted. Posters have been delivered to various shops, businesses and GPs in the area (so we are informed) by individuals claiming to be AA members. They have employed a hard sell approach, with one business in particular being visited no less than half a dozen times to ensure that the AA message was well and truly carried ad nauseam. These groups have bypassed the normal PI (Public Information) route for the area and have approached at least two schools for the purpose of presenting talks to the pupils and staff; one of these schools has been visited by two individuals who apparently made a less than favourable impression. Unfortunately for the cult the deputy headmistress of the school is a friend of an AA member. The lady in question asked the AA member to whom she could make a complaint on the matter since she and indeed the children had been unimpressed by the “showing off” of the two representatives of – well not AA – the cult. We would suggest that a formal complaint to York might serve to focus their attention.
In West Kent attempts have been made by the cult to establish their own links to treatment centres in the area – this function is normally carried out by the Health Liaison Officer but it is far from clear whether that officer has been made aware of this fact – we have good reason to believe ‘not’.
Additionally a flyer is currently being circulated by ‘AA?’ members (one of whom has been identified) advertising an event to be held in Canterbury in the summer. By all accounts it promises to be a most inviting occasion with all sorts of tourist attractions etc being advertised. It does not use the AA logo but it would suggest that an alternative convention is being organised. Unfortunately for the cult it has lost control of the convention in West Kent and so our members will not be regaled with non-stop 'cult speak' this summer. But this alternative venue should provide a welcome relief for those cult members who would otherwise have to endure the dreadful experience of listening to AA speakers, carrying the AA message in the spirit of AA – and apparently not having to get their talks scripted by their sponsors, or even sanctioned by these same divine (and we don’t mean pretty!) creatures.
Over to you
24/01/08
Birchington Tuesday
The group chose – it was a long drawn out process not helped by the fact that there did not seem to be any consensus about who was a group member – in the end it was concluded that a group member was anyone who happened to be there on the night. It’s interesting that the GSR for the group (who is a cult member by the way) seemed to think that the matter of group membership should rest with the individual consciences of those present – now this is a fine and noble principle but for some reason not one much in favour within the cult groups – we would invite any AA member to attend what passes for group consciences at any of the cult meetings in West and East Kent (Kearsney (Wed), Tankerton, Strood, Rochester or Gravesend (Tues)) and try and vote in any of their group consciences – you won’t get a look in. So it would seem that the individual conscience dictates voting rights in mainstream AA but not in cult groups. We would point out that the current practice of allowing anyone to vote at a group conscience means that such a group leaves itself wide open to take over by the cult. All it requires is to bus in a few cult members on the night and hey presto – before you know it you’ve got a cult secretary, treasurer, steering committee and the end of AA as you know it.
Sometimes one must fight fire with fire to put out the conflagration - so the good old days are over – free-for-all voting rights are a very dubious luxury and until the cult has been extirpated or at least marginalised within AA then groups are going to have to get their act together to ensure that they really do abide by Tradition Four and establish truly autonomous groups but ones that are still accountable to other groups and AA as a whole and transmit the AA message (as opposed to the cult message) to the newcomer.
Good luck Birchington!
PS A brief aside to Chatham Tuesday – at least Birchington has a group conscience before making changes to its personnel and conduct. Perhaps you might try the same at your group!
Birchington Tuesday
The group chose – it was a long drawn out process not helped by the fact that there did not seem to be any consensus about who was a group member – in the end it was concluded that a group member was anyone who happened to be there on the night. It’s interesting that the GSR for the group (who is a cult member by the way) seemed to think that the matter of group membership should rest with the individual consciences of those present – now this is a fine and noble principle but for some reason not one much in favour within the cult groups – we would invite any AA member to attend what passes for group consciences at any of the cult meetings in West and East Kent (Kearsney (Wed), Tankerton, Strood, Rochester or Gravesend (Tues)) and try and vote in any of their group consciences – you won’t get a look in. So it would seem that the individual conscience dictates voting rights in mainstream AA but not in cult groups. We would point out that the current practice of allowing anyone to vote at a group conscience means that such a group leaves itself wide open to take over by the cult. All it requires is to bus in a few cult members on the night and hey presto – before you know it you’ve got a cult secretary, treasurer, steering committee and the end of AA as you know it.
Sometimes one must fight fire with fire to put out the conflagration - so the good old days are over – free-for-all voting rights are a very dubious luxury and until the cult has been extirpated or at least marginalised within AA then groups are going to have to get their act together to ensure that they really do abide by Tradition Four and establish truly autonomous groups but ones that are still accountable to other groups and AA as a whole and transmit the AA message (as opposed to the cult message) to the newcomer.
Good luck Birchington!
PS A brief aside to Chatham Tuesday – at least Birchington has a group conscience before making changes to its personnel and conduct. Perhaps you might try the same at your group!
18/01/08
News from Birchington Tuesday and Canterbury Saturday evening
Business as usual – the cult tried to make a move on Birchington last Tuesday. The secretary’s post had become vacant and a candidate was put forward. Our reporter comments:
“Nice young guy, been around about ten months, he was 'summoned' to the outer room by one of the 'chosen' and briefed and in due course during 'any other business' he was proposed by the chosen one and he stood to present his 'suitability', and it was seen as done and dusted”
However the plan went slightly askew when one of the members there asked the candidate what meetings he attended:
“the poor lad was from Rochester and Margate Friday!” (Rochester is a cult meeting – there is a question mark over Margate Friday)
An objection was raised on the grounds that it would not be in the best interests of that Group or in the best interests of AA in the area or of AA as whole that a cult sponsored candidate should hold a position in an AA meeting.
It was then decided to have a Group conscience meeting next Tuesday to elect a Group Secretary. Another candidate has since offered to stand as secretary – this individual is an AA member of many years standing with continuous sobriety running into decades.
The group chooses …..
Staying in the general area we have A Canterbury Tale for you
“Once upon a time….” – OK we’ll leave that bit out.
One of the cultwatch team was slumming it at the Canterbury Saturday night meeting recently (OK not slumming it – quite a nice venue actually). Anyways it’s quite strange but after a while you develop a sort of radar for culties. The member was approaching the meeting from across the car park and in the distance he could see a file of men going into the building where the meeting is held. Now even at a distance of at least fifty yards (and in darkness lit only by a few streetlights) he could pick out the unmistakeable outline of a group of the pointy headed ones trudging wearily (but happily) into the venue. Discounting the usual shiver down the spine when anywhere in the locality of the maddened ones he proceeded on his way (not trudging wearily, happily or otherwise). The meeting proceeded; tea was drunk, biscuits consumed, chair waffled on – all was as it should be. Then the sharing back – and finally the piece de resistance – we were all treated to a fifteen minute monologue by the local cult rep. He was accompanied by a couple of acolytes who remained dutifully silent throughout the whole meeting – we have to assume that they haven’t done their Step Five yet since it is strongly suggested by the cult that you do not share in meetings until you have reached the aforementioned step. However the local cult rep more than made up for his companions’ silence. He made sure that no one in the meeting could be in any doubt about the fact that he was in service and repeatedly informed us that being the Archivist for East Kent Intergroup was a job that sent him into ecstasies of gratitude (sorry – a slight poetic exaggeration there). He went on – and on – and on – and on – making absolutely sure that we were fully instructed on how to recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body – cult style. Now in itself it wasn’t either particularly controversial or indeed illuminating – and it certainly wasn’t very interesting – but you pays your money you gets your deserts! What was much more interesting to observe was his behaviour after the meeting. He proceeded to accost – that is really the only appropriate way to describe it - two members in succession. They had made the error of sharing in the meeting that life was not entirely satisfactory – Well! This is like a red rag to a bull – an AA member who is not blissed out must be in need of rescue – and so our hero leaps INTO ACTION. Both members were treated to the benefit of his experience ad infinitum. Unfortunately for our hero his potential victims were well informed as to the nature of the cult and the first declined his importunate efforts with humour and a pitying smile. However our hero was not to be defeated and went in search of fresh meat. He sought out his quarry and again launched into his third monologue of the evening. Unfortunately the second victim was even better informed on the nature of his little gang and gave him a sturdy response for which he had no answer. Despite this he continued to offer his advice and even proposed setting up the member with a cult sponsor from West Kent – none other than our own much loved and respected ex Vice Chairman. But he did offer the warning that the latter was very busy and might not be able to take on yet another sponsee. We know that irony is completely lost on the cult – you need a modicum of intelligence and a sense of humour to grasp it – but it did occur to our team member that it really was something breathtaking to observe – to offer someone a sponsor who doesn’t want one and then tell them that the sponsor-to-be might be too busy to sponsor them anyway. We think it’s what’s called the hard sell with a bit of reverse psychology thrown in.
Bad luck for East Kent Archivist and cult member! Good luck and a narrow escape for two AA members!
Cheerio
The Fellas
News from Birchington Tuesday and Canterbury Saturday evening
Business as usual – the cult tried to make a move on Birchington last Tuesday. The secretary’s post had become vacant and a candidate was put forward. Our reporter comments:
“Nice young guy, been around about ten months, he was 'summoned' to the outer room by one of the 'chosen' and briefed and in due course during 'any other business' he was proposed by the chosen one and he stood to present his 'suitability', and it was seen as done and dusted”
However the plan went slightly askew when one of the members there asked the candidate what meetings he attended:
“the poor lad was from Rochester and Margate Friday!” (Rochester is a cult meeting – there is a question mark over Margate Friday)
An objection was raised on the grounds that it would not be in the best interests of that Group or in the best interests of AA in the area or of AA as whole that a cult sponsored candidate should hold a position in an AA meeting.
It was then decided to have a Group conscience meeting next Tuesday to elect a Group Secretary. Another candidate has since offered to stand as secretary – this individual is an AA member of many years standing with continuous sobriety running into decades.
The group chooses …..
Staying in the general area we have A Canterbury Tale for you
“Once upon a time….” – OK we’ll leave that bit out.
One of the cultwatch team was slumming it at the Canterbury Saturday night meeting recently (OK not slumming it – quite a nice venue actually). Anyways it’s quite strange but after a while you develop a sort of radar for culties. The member was approaching the meeting from across the car park and in the distance he could see a file of men going into the building where the meeting is held. Now even at a distance of at least fifty yards (and in darkness lit only by a few streetlights) he could pick out the unmistakeable outline of a group of the pointy headed ones trudging wearily (but happily) into the venue. Discounting the usual shiver down the spine when anywhere in the locality of the maddened ones he proceeded on his way (not trudging wearily, happily or otherwise). The meeting proceeded; tea was drunk, biscuits consumed, chair waffled on – all was as it should be. Then the sharing back – and finally the piece de resistance – we were all treated to a fifteen minute monologue by the local cult rep. He was accompanied by a couple of acolytes who remained dutifully silent throughout the whole meeting – we have to assume that they haven’t done their Step Five yet since it is strongly suggested by the cult that you do not share in meetings until you have reached the aforementioned step. However the local cult rep more than made up for his companions’ silence. He made sure that no one in the meeting could be in any doubt about the fact that he was in service and repeatedly informed us that being the Archivist for East Kent Intergroup was a job that sent him into ecstasies of gratitude (sorry – a slight poetic exaggeration there). He went on – and on – and on – and on – making absolutely sure that we were fully instructed on how to recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body – cult style. Now in itself it wasn’t either particularly controversial or indeed illuminating – and it certainly wasn’t very interesting – but you pays your money you gets your deserts! What was much more interesting to observe was his behaviour after the meeting. He proceeded to accost – that is really the only appropriate way to describe it - two members in succession. They had made the error of sharing in the meeting that life was not entirely satisfactory – Well! This is like a red rag to a bull – an AA member who is not blissed out must be in need of rescue – and so our hero leaps INTO ACTION. Both members were treated to the benefit of his experience ad infinitum. Unfortunately for our hero his potential victims were well informed as to the nature of the cult and the first declined his importunate efforts with humour and a pitying smile. However our hero was not to be defeated and went in search of fresh meat. He sought out his quarry and again launched into his third monologue of the evening. Unfortunately the second victim was even better informed on the nature of his little gang and gave him a sturdy response for which he had no answer. Despite this he continued to offer his advice and even proposed setting up the member with a cult sponsor from West Kent – none other than our own much loved and respected ex Vice Chairman. But he did offer the warning that the latter was very busy and might not be able to take on yet another sponsee. We know that irony is completely lost on the cult – you need a modicum of intelligence and a sense of humour to grasp it – but it did occur to our team member that it really was something breathtaking to observe – to offer someone a sponsor who doesn’t want one and then tell them that the sponsor-to-be might be too busy to sponsor them anyway. We think it’s what’s called the hard sell with a bit of reverse psychology thrown in.
Bad luck for East Kent Archivist and cult member! Good luck and a narrow escape for two AA members!
Cheerio
The Fellas
02/12/07
The Cult in East Kent
A little bit of an update on the cult’s activities in East Kent - a new meeting is being started shortly in Tankerton. Usually this would be the cause for some celebration – unfortunately not in this instance for this is a cult meeting set up in response to their failure to gain access to and control of other local mainstream AA meetings. This is a standard cult response when their appeal strangely fails to register with mainstream AA members. The pointy headed ones attempted to gain access to the Canterbury meetings with blandishments of steering committees, buffet style hospitality etc. but the rank and file decided that they would rather decline the offer and invited the cult to take their business elsewhere – which they did. Their next attempt was to try and introduce their ‘improvements” to the Birchington meetings (a multi meeting group). Again their inducements (steering committees et al) fell upon deaf ears and finally, frustrated in their attempt to carry their own deeply distorted version of AAs message to the rest of us, poor misguided fools that we are, they resorted to the usual tactic – set up a new meeting in direct competition with the existing ones. It is to be a “Beginners’ Meeting” – this is their stock in trade – get them new and vulnerable and start the process of mind control. Their skills in this discipline have been honed down through the years and they have the added resource of being able to exchange techniques with other cult groups located not only in East Kent but also in West Kent (the Strood, Rochester and Gravesend (Tuesday evening)) meetings together with imports from the metropolis. Busy Mark M (Strood/Rochester) has been regularly commuting down to the area and is very active in the local cult headquarters group – Kearsney (Wednesday - not to be confused with any other group at that location). Their tactics of dual home group membership explicitly establishes a co-ordinating link between the cult’s activities in East and West Kent. A member attempted to raise the matter of the cult’s activities in the area at a previous EKIG meeting and draw attention to this web site – he was prevented from doing so – one thing that the cult really hate is freedom of speech – or to be more accurate – freedom – so his opposition was dismissed by the cult members present who “pack” all intergroup meetings, citing that well known extract from the Big Book (Appendix II) – the preservation of ignorance via the technique of “contempt prior to investigation”. On this matter we just have to point out the instructions issued by the cult to its members NOT to look at sites on the internet – God forbid that they should ever come across any of this information. But please rest assured – our stance towards the cult is entirely based on “contempt subsequent to investigation.”
So our advice to groups throughout East Kent (advice based upon our own experience):
– cult proof your groups to ensure that they cannot gain control of the existing mainstream groups
– limit their access to intergroup office positions – if possible exclude them completely – this will necessarily involve mainstream AA members taking up those positions
– as far as possible ensure that the channels by which newcomers come into our fellowship remain outside the control of the cult and ensure as far as possible 12 Stepping is done only by mainstream AA members
– warn newcomers of the danger and advise them explicitly on which meetings are cult and which are AA.
The rest is in the hands of a Power of your understanding.
So our advice to groups throughout East Kent (advice based upon our own experience):
– cult proof your groups to ensure that they cannot gain control of the existing mainstream groups
– limit their access to intergroup office positions – if possible exclude them completely – this will necessarily involve mainstream AA members taking up those positions
– as far as possible ensure that the channels by which newcomers come into our fellowship remain outside the control of the cult and ensure as far as possible 12 Stepping is done only by mainstream AA members
– warn newcomers of the danger and advise them explicitly on which meetings are cult and which are AA.
The rest is in the hands of a Power of your understanding.
