A Good Oldtimer...From Scotia Region

Audio Version

Many thanks to Harvey approaching 56 years of sobriety and a member of The First Friday Group, East Kilbride.

What has helped you to maintain your sobriety for so long?

The mainstay of my sobriety has been my service in AA beginning as secretary of the Govan Friday group when I was nine months sober in 1965. That same year I began my career in Rolls Royce East Kilbride and whilst attending an intergroup meeting in West Nile Street in February 1967 I spoke with the late Jack G who had formerly been General Secretary of the General Service Board. To cut a long story short, Jack, another guy and I started the first AA group in East Kilbride in April 1967. In 1970 I became a prison sponsor in HMP Barlinnie and I visited the prison for 13 years. I was involved with the Scottish Committee, becoming Chair in 1973, served as the Prison Liaison Secretary for the Scottish Committee for seven years before being chosen to be the trustee for Scotia Region from 1983 until 1987.

What do you say to the newcomer?

I have found that over my years of sobriety that when someone asks for help my advice has always been what was said to me by my sponsor “The Programme of Recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous can work for you if you want it but you must want it for yourself, not your wife/husband, children, relations, employers or employees. If you get sober and stay sober, all those people will benefit from your sobriety, One Day at a Time.”

What part has Roundabout played in your journey in AA?

I have been an avid reader of Roundabout since I came into AA, writing many articles over the years. This magazine has been, and will always be popular especially for those in hospitals and prisons.