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Hello from an expat in Germany

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 4:06 pm
by snapper
Hello to all of you.

I am an expatriate Yorkshireman living in Germany. I have been here for just over 30 years, and have been involved with re-enactment here for most of those.

Most of the time was spent doing ACW and Napoleonics, as those were the only recognized periods which interested me. As interest grew in participation in WW2 events, at that time primarily in the Netherlands, I was one of the founder-members of the German-based East Yorkshire Regiment group, which was formed in 2000.

Many of our members also have a secondary German impression, mainly as Luftwaffen-Felddivision.

Before you ask, yes, I am one of the "We" that Hoover speaks of in his posts. "We" are a loose group of individuals and small groups, with currently 100+ total membership. Which groups are involved is currently not of importance, as formal regulation is not yet in place. As Hoover says, wait and see.

Any thing else will be said in the appropriate place, at the appropriate time, and in the correct context, which will be quite an innovation for some of the threads.

Oh, by the way, we (East Yorks) do not support the so-called "Disclaimer" or those who initiated it!

All the best

Snapper

Re: Hello from an expat in Germany

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 5:42 pm
by Hoffman Grink
snapper wrote:Which groups are involved is currently not of importance,
Snapper
Really? As long as it's the groups you're involved with then eh? Snapper - I'd look around very carefully before throwing your lot in with the people you are currently involved with. Motivation and Outcome would be most important I'd say.

Being a Yorky you are probably more on my wavelength. So you'll get where I'm coming from here -

There's nivver nowt, but weer thez summat.

And when thez summat, it's offen nowt.

And them ez allus' thinks they're summat,

' Ez nearly allus risen frum nowt.

I do sincerely hope you're your own man and not simply Hoover's new mouthpiece.

Re: Hello from an expat in Germany

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 8:12 am
by snapper
I am nobody's "mouthpiece" except my own, and that of my group.

Tha's tarrin' 'em all wi't same brush.

I don't speak for Hoover, and he doesn't speak for me. Not until some agreement is formalized in which way this could or should be so.

Oh, by the way, I can get very snotty about being misquoted or selectively quoted as you have done in your post. That is one of my main criticisms of sensationalist journalism - selective quoting out of context. Don't expect me to reply to anything like that, except to comment on the practice, as here.

Also, do not jump to conclusions. I have known the groups in Germany for over 10 years. I vehemently oppose the so-called "disclaimer", which puts me on your line of thinking in one area, at least. In the single communication we have had in the past you were helpful to me, for which I am grateful. Let's hope it stays that way.

There are problems within the whole scenery of re-enactment in Germany which you fail to understand, and which many German participants refuse to acknowledge. The main one is the lack of a responsible government body to approach regarding regulation of various matters. Added to this, you have the Federal system, where each Land or federal state has the right to produce it's own Directions for the Application ("Durchführungsverordnung") for Federal laws like the Waffengesetz. This leads to varied interpretation by local authorities depending on where you live.

It's all a lot more complicated than some people are trying to lead us to believe. Most or all applications for permission to hold events are dealt with at Local Authority level, with varied degrees of knowledge/willingness to cooperate.

But then, this is the wrong thread to expand on that. More where and when I feel it is appropriate.

Regards

snapper

Re: Hello from an expat in Germany

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 12:14 pm
by Hoffman Grink
Good owd Mike - draw up the battle lines then we know where we stand. As you said - I was and am and can be very helpful. From my own experience you must be all inclusive for this to stand a chance of working at all. So the groups involved are important. - Working in secret and behind closed doors does not foster a good atmosphere or make for widespread co-operation.
There are certain elements where you are that are untrustworthy and who need to be watched at all times. There are elements where you are that are extremely committed and sincere - There are also elements where you are that are liable to tip you all into the drink if you're not careful and there are elements who do and will use the hobby as a cover for other activities...... fact.

I don't hold out any great hope for the German scene any time soon - I'm not saying it's impossible but it will take years for it to become a unified (if it ever does) affair. To many people skulking in the dark. Too many people plotting for small power and too many barons wanting their own fiefdom. It's a shame - and it's a shame that some of them have got at such odds with each other and indeed me. There is a lot of help to be had and a lot of experience to be drawn on - But arrogant people won't ask for help or take advice. Again hard experience has taught me that.

Good luck with your endeavours, I wish you every success and give my regards to Familie Murfin.
PD

Re: Hello from an expat in Germany

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 1:33 pm
by snapper
Now that is the way we can communicate.

I have no objections to being looked in the eye and called a c*nt by someone who can take the same, but the slightest hint of back-stabbing is likely to put me into a flaming rage.

On the other hand, most of the time I will

"see all, 'ear all an' say nowt"

as befits my cultural heritage.

I am definitely looking for a reliable rather than rapid solution to the German situation. I agree that the groups involved are important, it's just not the point in time for them to be named. Nor is it my prerogative, until a formal agreement has been made.

As I have no personal feud or problems with anyone here, nor with their impression, I hope our interaction may continue in a civilized manner.

Cheers

Mike

Re: Hello from an expat in Germany

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2011 10:37 pm
by crossofiron
welcome to the forum.