Father warns of new cult drive Western Gazette 23/09/1999
Report by Shane Dean
Edition WG Blandford
Page 12
Record Number 458331 A FATHER of two is warning families to be on their guard after a controversial cult group which took £21,000 off him was spotted recruiting in a north Dorset town.

Gary Fry, aged 28, of Milton Abbas handed over all the money he had and nearly committed suicide when he became involved with the US-based Scientologists a few years ago.

Mr Fry saw the group carrying out recruitment work at the recent Blandford Steam Fair and said Dorset people should now be on their guard.

"They were selling their Dianetics book and doing personality analysis like they did with me. They were also testing people for stress levels.

"People should be made aware and be put on their guard because Scientol- ogists seem so feasible and subtle but it's just a big snare."

He added: "People should know what this group is all about. The founder of it was serously into Alistair Crowley's sex magic."

Scientology was founded in 1950 by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard who died in 1986, and it lists Hollywood stars John Travolta, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as converts.

The cult bases its "applied philosophy" on a Dianetics book written by Mr Hubbard, which details how a person can enter a perfect state of consciousness called 'clear', and Mr Fry said it is this that traps unsuspecting people.

"I realised from the book that I couldn't reach clear without therapy sessions which they offer and which cost increasing amounts of money, and which totalled £21,000 with me," he said.

After Mr Fry's solicitors threatened legal action to get his money back, the Scientologists paid up days before a court date was set.

Mr Fry, who is now in training to become a full-time Christian minister, added: "If anyone is tempted to try this I would say don't if you value your sanity."

ANYONE concerned about cults can contact the Reachout Trust on 0181 3327785.

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