My name’s Ken. I’m an alcoholic. I was born in Romford on a council estate with my brother. Our parents would take us on holidays to Clacton on Sea in a caravan. While other families went into the clubhouse at night, we would go to bed early as my parents weren’t drinkers. I wasn’t interested … More Ken’s story

I’m Alison and I’m an alcoholic, I found out I have a nickname, ‘Spiky’ Alison, because of my hair, not my personality. On 30th June 2024, I will have 33 years of continuous sobriety. I came to A.A. with no hope. I came in after two years of trying on my own and I spent … More ‘Spiky’ Alison’s story.

My sobriety date is January 2nd 1989. I made the phone call to A.A. on that day. Peter, I think, answered the phone. We had a chat, I don’t remember too much, but he said he would get someone to contact me and someone did that night. He said he would come round and take … More Roger the Plum’s story.

My sobriety date is 1st January 1986. I always knew about AA. I’ve no idea why, but I knew there was an A.A. and it wasn’t for me, because total abstinence just was not possible. My grandmother told me about alcoholism. She said that for an alcoholic, one drink is too many and a thousand isn’t enough, so somewhere down … More Maxine’s story

My first encounter with Alcoholics Anonymous was in Bermondsey. I was 19 years of age, homeless and attending a day centre after a few suicide attempts. Alcohol has always been in my life, I found it released me from fear, took away my inhibitions. I thought it was freedom, but I became dependent on it. I … More Jimmy Mac’s story

In 1984 I was singing in a choir in Tipperary, and a friend of mine, a Franciscan friar and a drinking partner stopped drinking. He had been going to Alcoholics Anonymous for the past three months, and he 12-stepped me. I stayed but only for three months because I suffered from another convenient disease: amnesia. … More Denis’ story

I was in a very bad state, mentally and emotionally and wanted to die, I was dying. I was useless to everyone around me, pushed everyone away, I come from a big family, and no one would come near me. I have learned a lot about that since. Speaking for meself I was suffering from … More Kevin’s Story

East London Intergroup archives put on a mini event about our history and our members who walked the path before us. On June 17th, 2023, East London held an event at Kerbey Street, London This day of food, fellowship, and history. Our ‘Sofa Talk’ of two members, who spoke on the history of A.A. a … More Archive Mini-Convention, June 17th 2023.

I came into A.A 6th July 1995; my first meeting was in Chingford. ‘Kerry’ Kevin, Gardener Bob were there and ‘Glasgow’ Bill was doing the chair and a bloke called Brian. I remember Brian spoke about where the drink took him and I had identification, especially when he said he came out of a blackout … More Ray’s Story

Fred has kindly put some words together and donated the picture of the St Clements plaque. Have butchers at the words below: – This stone plaque was cut to size and the wording carved at Lambeth College to commemorate the move of the Clements Hospital group to new premises. The stone itself is slate and … More St Clements Plaque