A brief history
Our research so far indicates that the origins of this cult go back to 1977. However the earliest manifestation of its particular approach can be identified with the formation of the “Joys of Recovery” group that ran from the early 1980s at Collingham Rd, London SW5. It was led by a member David B (who died a number of years ago) who, if not the founder of this movement, was certainly a major influence on its subsequent development. The Joys meeting had associations at that time with the Pont Street meeting, London, SW1X (Monday nights) that many Joys members also attended. The Joys group opened another meeting in Lots Rd SW10 (Sunday) before moving to Adrian Mews, off Ifield Road SW10. This meeting comprised a “Beginners” meeting with a break before an ordinary chaired meeting began. These groups ran for some time nominally under the direction of a steering committee though in fact organised by David B and his sponsee hierarchy. This situation continued for some time before dissension in the ranks inevitably broke out in 1992. Some members of the Joys group finally challenged his control. He departed the Joys accompanied by two of his main “lieutenants” to set up in Eaton Square – “A Vision for You” was born. It was timed to start at the same time (7.30 pm) and on the same evening (Wednesday) as the existing Joys meeting. Not only was a new meeting born but also a new tactic that continues to be used up to today – to set up a meeting in direct competition with an existing AA meeting - a direct breach of Tradition Four (see Traditions section). Our reports indicate that the Ifield Road meeting has now returned to its old mainstream AA roots.
David B and his two henchmen (David C and Tony M) quickly built up a network of sponsees and thus developed their power base. When they were ready they began their campaign to subvert the local Intergroup – Chelsea (we have correspondence relating to personal attacks on the Chairman of that Intergroup dated 1995 – these letters emanated from David B and Tony M). As their confidence grew they proceeded to “take on” London Region, then the General Service Office (York) and finally the General Service Board and Conference. In 1994 David C was successfully nominated to the chair of London region. Shortly after this he and Tony M fell out and the latter left the fold to open another meeting (on a Wednesday evening at 7.30pm). This group was named “Happy Destiny” but fortunately it failed to live up to its name and its demise was rapid.
In 1997 David C attempted to disrupt Conference in relation to a debate on Concept 12 (see 12 Concepts). He held a minority view on the matter and Conference held the majority. Despite the democratic nature of the decision he continued to voice his objections in an “over-persistent repetition” and managed to “antagonise the other delegates [to Conference] with endless repetitions” (Share article – Paul F – GSB Treasurer).
In 2000 correspondence took place between The Drug and Alcohol Foundation (DAF) and the Regional Service Office (London), the General Service Office (York) and Mark M (secretary for the Wednesday evening “A Vision for You” group, St Peter’s Church, Eaton Square. This exchange of letters took place as a result of the DAF being made aware that some of their referrals had been advised to “stop taking prescribed medication for mental health problems.” The letters from both the York and London AA offices sought to reassure the DAF that the AA guideline on such advice still held. It is notable however that Mark M (representing his group) took a different position: “The only way in which we would have confidence to take someone through the programme is if they were to stop taking drugs”. However a letter from another member (Charles N) suggest that this does not give the whole picture of this group’s position. This incident exposes the Visions stance on the use of prescribed medication that still holds today (despite apparent public compliance with the AA guideline).
The Eaton Square meeting folded about two years ago (for reasons as yet unclear). However the Visions groups still maintain a significance presence in the London area and in other parts of the country.
In our section on Geographical Distribution we consider their current dispersal throughout Great Britain together with some discussion on these groups activities where local information has been obtained.