Gary
Aitken sent two letters to Tom Andrews in September 1973 enquiring about a number of issues. He asked Andrews for feedback on the courses that he had set for a future orienteering event. Andrews outlined some changes on Aitken's maps and made some suggestions for improvements. Andrews also gave feedback on Aitken's prospective press releases, complimenting him. In addition, he provided Aitken with maps of the recent Victorian Orienteering Association (VOA) championships. (1)
Andrews’ business (called Orienteering Service Australia) was selling orienteering materials and products. With his experience, Andrews provided advice as to the purchasing of compasses, printing of maps and the use of sponsors to offset map printing costs. Andrew’s letter confirmed that by September 1973 Aitken should have received a quantity of old markers (buckets) and an initial supply of control cards. (2) He also offered on behalf of the VOA to loan a set of compasses to Aitken provided he pay for their freight, and mentioned the availability of 16mm films for hire through Macson Trading Co. Andrews also gave advice on the purchase of control punches, how to make control flags and gave advice on the setting up of permanent course control markers. (1)
Control “Buckets”
The first consignment of plastic “buckets” donated by VOA to Gary Aitken, to assist him in developing orienteering in WA, were literally plastic buckets without handles. (2) As Jon Dunsmore commented “When you went out to collect the controls after an event you’d have to carry a load of buckets. And these were heavy.” (3) They were used by drilling two holes in the base and a piece of string was threaded through so that they could be hung on the feature.
Cardboard Controls
Pam Murray made cardboard controls which were lighter and easier to carry than the buckets. (4) These were coloured using poster paint which meant that they were not waterproof and the colours ran. They were tied to trees and other objects with nylon rope. Only a few (three actually) of these controls have survived.
Pat Murray used these controls for night events that he set. He attached spirit duplicated notes to the control informing people “Control. Sunday Night 17th March 1974. This control is being used by Perth Athletes engaged on a map reading exercise. Please do not remove. Thank you.”
References
(1) Tom Andrews, Letter sent to Gary Aitken 4th October 1973
(2) Telephone interview with Gary Aitken, August 2006
(3) Jon and Theda Dunsmore interview 17 Jan 2007
(4) Pat Murray Letter 31st January 2006
Photos: (top) Control bucket with the letter (G), note sponsorship (Refresh), the diagonal fluorescent tape for night events, and string to hang up the control. (bottom) Cardboard control with writing. Click images to view larger versions.
