Wishing to explain jargon and help some orientation in the minds of folk during a ‘foundation skills’ practice, I used a picture of a cinema auditorium (side view) as an analogy.

This is something we all know, used to explain the associations of the ringing jargon ‘down to the front’ and ‘up to the back’. A diagram of seats on a curving slope faced the screen on the left.

Thinking further, I drew a door with an ‘EXIT’ sign at the back, and talked about coming IN and OUT, with IN towards the front, and OUT towards the back.

We imagined that a refreshments trolley loaded with popcorn had appeared at the front during the interval, and everyone goes quickly down to the front to try to get to be first in the queue. Having purchased three tubs of popcorn, four ice cream cornets and some soft drinks, you precariously balance these as you carefully go back up to your seats – and how do you do this? Slowly…..

‘The Cinema’ explained!

Hopefully this analogy is readily recalled, even in those blank moments – to know what’s expected whilst ringing!

Bob Deeley – teacher and ringer at All Saints’, Marsworth.