[Amy]

TASK ANNOUNCEMENT
Saturday 15 January 2005


ALL ABOARD THE GHOST TRAIN - FOR A BIERKELLER PARTY

This afternoon at approx 4pm, the housemates will be invited to board the Big Brother Ghost Train. An obstacle course has been set in the garden and housemates will have 20 minutes in which to complete the course.

Each housemate in turn must climb aboard the ghost train wearing a spiked helmet and a blindfold. The housemate on the ghost train must then navigate the train around the course whilst blindfolded, following instructions from fellow housemates.

The Course:
*The ghost train must follow the pathway between the ground balloons from the start line to the finish line.
*In addition, as each ghost train driver passes under each bridge they must burst ONE balloon ONLY above their head, using their spiked helmets.
*If the ghost train driver bursts more than one balloon at each bridge, a further 30 seconds for every over-head balloon burst will be added to their time.
*If the ghost train driver does not burst an overhead balloon at every bridge (i.e. if there are still overhead balloons remaining) they will incur a one-minute penalty.
*The balloons on the first bridge will contain iced water, the balloons on the second bridge will contain green cottage cheese and the balloons on the third bridge will contain black treacle.
*When housemates are not driving the ghost train they must shout directions to guide the ghost train driver around the course avoiding as many balloons as they can.
*The clock will start and housemates must begin the course when they hear a ghostly laugh.


The following rules must be adhered to:
*All housemates must complete the course from start to finish.
*When the first ghost train driver has completed the course, the second ghost train driver must begin immediately, and so on until all housemates have completed the course.
*Housemates must wear the safety equipment provided for the duration of the task.
*Housemates must decide the order in which they will complete the course.
*Housemates must not remove their spiked helmets until instructed.


As a reward for their efforts, the housemates will tonight be given a Bierkeller 'Oompah' party - complete with lederhosen, a keg of beer and a selection of sausages. For the first time in their nine-day stay, they will also be treated to music - Austrian folk music and nine themed pop songs.