Alcoholics Anonymous
SIR,—I refer to the Spectator Competition No. 161 appearing on page 309 in your issue of the Spectator, dated March 13th, 1953. In this competition the following words are printed The under-mentioned imaginary bodies are applying for a grant of arms: Alcoholics Anonymous (Fleet Street Branch)"—&c.
I feel quite sure that this is an oversight, as Alcoholics Anonymous. Is very much alive, It was formed in the United States in 1934, and groups came into being in this country in 1948. There are upwards of 120,000 members of Alcoholics Anonymous, and we have over thirty groups in the United•Kingdom. I enclose some of our literature herewith, and, although we are a voluntary organisation, we should not like any members of the public to be informed that we are an imaginary body when we are very much alive." Perhaps you Will be kind enough to correct the erroneous statement in an early issue
Hon. Joint-Secretary.
1! Redcliffe Gardens, S.W.10.
[The " imaginary body " in question was the Fleet Street Branch. The existence and value of Alcoholics Anonymous, whose one purpose is to help the sick alcoholic recover if he wishes," are well known. —Editor, Spectatqr.]
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