1972-1980: AA in Nottingham and Leicester

In the latter part of 1972 and early 1973 the fellowship in the East Midlands, although well established was still thinly spread. In 1973 there was two meetings in Nottingham, one meeting in Lincoln, two in Northamptonshire, four in Leicester and practically nothing in Derbyshire.

Embryonic groups were beginning to emerge in Nottingham with the knowledge that if they were to survive, they badly needed to share with AA members of more established sobriety. To this end, invitations were sent to sober members all over the country. This sharing enabled these new groups to survive and grow. It made their members very much aware of the Legacy of Unity, and of the wide-spread nature of the Fellowship.

Early Intergroup
(for illustrative purpose only)

In late 1973, a number of members began to think in terms of extending this sharing by the formation of a local intergroup. A meeting was called in Lincoln, attended by members from Lincoln, Leicester and Nottingham, and as a result the East Midlands Intergroup was formed.

By early 1974, a number of Northampton members and some members from South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, had decided to join in. To encourage as many members as possible to get involved, it was decided that the Intergroup meetings should take place in the various cities represented in turn, and for about a two year period meetings rotated from Lincoln, to Nottingham, Loughbrorugh, Northampton and Corby.

Leicester Psychiatric Hospital

From these early meetings formal communication was established with institutions and members of the professional community in the areas of EMIG. Meetings were already being held in psychiatric hospitals in Leicester and Nottingham and a group was started in St, Crispins Hospital in Northampton. There was a meeting in a Leicester Prison and with the emergence of the Intergroup, It was possible to start or lend further support to prisons at Gartree, Ashwell, Nottingham and Ranby.

To provide a focal point for the Intergroup, a series of annual mini-conventions was organized in Leicester for March, the first one being in 1974. The Intergroup was extremely conscious, from the start of its responsibility to act as a link between the group members and the annual General Service Conference, and much of its development has been influenced by carrying out this commitment. In 1975 Nottingham members were able to take advantage of the national Conference experience, to start a limited telephone service, which has run successfully since November of that year.

In 1975 two other significant changes took place. Intergroup found a permanent home at Towers Hospital, Leicester. And prompted by suggestions from Conference, initial discussions were set up with the neighboring East Anglia and Lea Valley Intergroups, out of which grew the present Eastern Region of AA in 1980. In July 1977, Eric and Mary were elected to represent intergroup at conference. By 1980, Intergroup was much of how it is today, with Public Information, Alcoholism in Industry, (forerunner) to Employment Liaison, Where to find coordinator, and Hospital Liaison Officer.

We live today a day at a time but are secure in the knowledge that, in working for our primary purpose through the lagacies of Recovery, Unity and Service, we cannot fail to meet with success the changing conditions which the future may bring.

Nottingham and Leicester, Intergroup archivist 2010.