Thanks all for your interesting and helpful comments. I am not going to give up on AA, at least for a while - for the simple reason that I have been sober for longer going to AA meetings than I have under my own steam for literally decades. The best I have managed on my own are a few drying out periods which set me up to drink again. On this occasion it is now close to two months and I am loath to risk that. AA seems to be the key ingredient for me - it's fellowship if not much of its content.
There is so much I disagree with about AA. The spiritual aspect is just one part - if the major one. However I do have friends in my local group and I see them outside meetings. That is a great help.
When I am stronger and more secure with sober living I might actually have a go at starting a Lifering group in my town. But that will be a while in the future.