Home Page Skip Navigation
  • Venues West - Venues West
  • Harbourside - Harbourside
  • Conference Bristol - Conference Bristol Microsite

Home > Latest News > 2008 > 7 > 14 >

Gert Big Stink Challenge!

 

Brunel's ss Great BritainBRUNEL'S ss Great Britain is challenging people and businesses to take up the 'Gert Big Stink Challenge' this summer.

 

For one week only Mr Brunel - an actor in character and costume - will be leaving his ship to take to the streets of Bristol and Bath.

 

He plans to visit shopping centres, parks and offices from July 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 and 25.

 

People will be asked to sniff boxes, inspired by the odours on board ship from crusty bread rolls, to oil, stables, carbolic soap, and vomit.

 

In the spirit of the 'Pepsi Challenge' there will even be an empty mystery box - representing other museums and visitor attractions which do not have smells!

 

Businesses are being invited to log their interest in playing host to Mr Brunel and Brunel's ss Great Britain 'Gert Big Stink Challenge'. [please see note 2]

 

As well as being fun, it will give challengers the chance to discover a little more about what life must have been like for Victorian passengers and crew on a two-month voyage to Australia - before modern sprays and deodorants.

 

All who enter will receive a signed certificate to frame and cherish. They will also be able to use the certificates to gain FREE admission for a friend, relative or colleague to Brunel's ss Great Britain, in a buy one get one free offer. The ticket allows for FREE unlimited return visits for a year, and includes daytime events.

 

Mr Brunel (actor Martin Williamson) commented: "The Brunel's ss Great Britain 'Gert Big Stink Challenge' is a great way to lift spirits, encourage good morale in the office, and to test the olfactory senses!

 

"We hope that people and businesses will take up the challenge and register their interest."

 

He added: "I am also looking forward to telling people about all the events on board Brunel's ss Great Britain throughout the summer holidays, including ship's trails for children, etiquette lessons, Crimean War troop and surgeon re-enactors, and games on the Top Deck."

 

Brunel's ss Great Britain 'Gert Big Stink Challenge' is free, but businesses are welcome to give a donation to the ss Great Britain Trust, a registered charity.

 

Some of the challengers will also be filmed and featured on the website www.ssgreatbritain.org. Brunel's ss Great Britain will also be running an on-line version of the challenge for visitors.

 

- Please email katec@ssgreatbritain.org if your company is interested in hosting a visit from Mr Brunel and the Brunel's ss Great Britain 'Gert Big Stink Challenge'.