Girls street games were quite different to the
boys. For a start they didn't kill anybody or save the planet from destruction.
Very often the games were very competitive and often skillful. All
good trainingfor the future. The ability to throw two balls up
against a wall was invaluable for doing more than thing at a time.
Playing Hop-Scotch
Playing Hop-Scotch involved throwing a stone accurately
on to a paving stone. Then hopping and skipping trying not to tread on
the pavement cracks. All the while chanting "You will break your spine;
You will get your sums wrong; You will marry a swine". Nice!!
The Pogo Stick.
The Pogo Stick again showed the differences. Boys having
made many Airfix models would have glue left over with which they would
stick their feet to the Pogo. You will notice that they have not let the
girl into their secret.
Hula Hoops for exercise.
Girls enjoyed this game, because boys were no good at
it. This is the first time that a fundamental difference appears between
boys and girls. Girls have hips.
Every girl loved to dance.
Every girl loved to dance. I have no idea why. The parents
of the young lad in this picture were a bit worried about him, until
they realised that he could end up on television on 'Come Dancing'.