Cranbury Road Girls School, Eastleigh, 1910 What are these girls holding?

[youngtug]

http://www.rootschat.com/links/01jth/

[groom]

Brilliant YT - so my idea of PE wasn't far off. 

[John915]

Good evening,

The British Girls' Rhythmic Gymnastics team selected for the 1912 Olympic Games 

Rythmic gymnastics was not a recognised sport until 1963, first championships in 1964. First olympic appearance was Los Angeles 1984.

John915

[jaybelnz]

I thought they might be billiard cues - they all seem to have little tips on them! 

Or maybe giant " pick-up-sticks" 

Added - Now I see they're balance sticks!  Couldn't get  to youngtub link at first, but just had another go!  Good sleuthing YT!!

[barryd]

One wonders why some of the girls are not looking at the camera. On some rows, but especially noticeable on the centre back row.

[youngtug]

I think the balancing sticks in my earlier link are the long poles stood up at the side. The shorter sticks the men are holding, like the ones that the girls have are wands.;
           
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01jti/

Suggested use;  http://www.rootschat.com/links/01jtj/

[groom]

One wonders why some of the girls are not looking at the camera. On some rows, but especially noticeable on the centre back row.

I hadn't noticed that - they look as if they don't want to be there don't they?

[youngtug]

Further to my last post; http://www.victorianlondon.org/cassells/13-fig3.gif

[Joyful]

Excellent hunting YT

Joy