How many BTAP members does it take to count to 11?

ATEC New South Wales hosted its annual trivia night last week with the backpacking team and defending champions Generation YHA determined to retain the trophy.  

After a closely fought contest in which Gen YHA always had their noses in front, they went into the final round with a slender two-point lead.

Their nerves were calmed, however, when the quizmaster asked: “How many people are there on the Backpacking Tourism Advisory Panel or BTAP?”

What a gift! Generation YHA not only boasted ATEC’s Industry Development Manager with responsibility for the backpacking sector Jennifer Woodbridge, but BTAP Chair Peter Burke. Both are members of BTAP.

“Twelve,” they chimed in unison, and victory seemed assured. The answer – of course – is 11.

Happily, despite the best efforts of Woodbridge and Burke – or “Dumb and Dumber” as they are now known – Generation YHA took out the crown for the second year running.

The team is already looking to next year, however, with cheerleader-in-chief Elinor Sheargold of YHA keen to recruit new talent. And who can blame her?

Comments


  1. Jennifer Woodbridge
    31 Aug 09
    10:20 am
  2. I think you had one too many beers Lane….the answer on the night was 13, but both Peter and I said there are 11. The Quiz Master had taken information off our website which was unfortunately incorrect….hmmm

    Besides, albeit the correct answer – only a nerd would know that Paddington Bear if from Peru!!

  3. Martin Lane
    31 Aug 09
    11:39 am
  4. I will check my shorthand note and get back to you…

  5. Peter
    31 Aug 09
    3:22 pm
  6. Somebody please pass me the Justin Langer Dossier……

    I find it extraordinary that Mr Lane can write the above article without disclosing his presence on the table as a member of Genration YHA. Little wonder that Journalists, even pretend Journo’s like Mr Lane are loved less than lawyers, but what’s most extraodrinary is that instead of running a story about how the win by Generation YHA is symbolic of the entire tourism industry. Once again the under-rated unappreaciated Backpacker / Youth team proves to be the one constant, the only bankable section of tourism in Australia. The headline could’ve been ‘Generational change runs away with trophy – two years running” but despite being part of the winning team, Mr Lane chooses to run with a negative story. Is that the Journalist trying to stimulate discussion, or just another pommy having a whinge. later in the evening Mr Lane almost had me beleiving the Langer Dossier was absolute rubbish with his briliant tirade against Gen Y’ers who were driving him insane with their outrageous workplace demands, “The doctor said I should stay home today as I’ve got a severe case of stove-pipe pants and girly hair”…but then the irony hit home…a Pom complaining about complainers..enough irony ore to sell to China. The birds are too noisy, the sun is too hot, the beer is too cold…

    BTW, the winning margin was 2 points……who picked the theme to ‘the young doctors’ and the movie scene from ‘Beetlejuice’??? That’s right I won it for YOU big guy.

  7. Jennifer Woodbridge
    31 Aug 09
    3:35 pm
  8. Love your work Peter!!!!!

  9. Kerri A
    3 Sep 09
    11:07 am
  10. Off the topic – but as a founder of the BITE and active BTAP participant in a former existence, can I say this new format looks great! Love ya work!

  11. Martin Lane
    3 Sep 09
    11:23 am
  12. Thanks Kerri – we aim to please!

    Cheers

    Martin – Thumbrella

  13. Davo
    6 Sep 09
    6:11 pm
  14. I’m still waiting to hear if Mr Lane is going to confess to his error…

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