| A TWICE WEEKLY SERIAL OF BIG TOP FOLK BY
SIMON PARKE |
|
EPISODE 26
RING SIZE
In many ways, Philip Astley's School of Trick-Riding was the beginning of the circus. An ex-cavalry man, his 18th century school had a circular arena that he called his circle, or circus, which would later become known as The Ring. The circus ring was devised by early trick-riders, who used the centrifugal force to keep their balance when galloping. After experimenting with various sizes, a ring of 42 feet was found to be the best, and over time this became the international standard for all circus rings.
"It wasn't right last night," says Davido. "I felt it on the first lift."
"And I can tell you why," says Ted, holding his measure rope.
They stand together in the Big Top, surveying the sawdust stage before them.
"There could have been a fall," says Davido.
"Then we've been lucky."
"Or perhaps I was just skilful."
GD was one of the few acrobats who combined aerial trapeze work with the horses. This explained two things: it explained why he was Burt Turtle's highest paid performer; and why the size of the ring so engaged him. He'd dragged Ted from his breakfast to sort it.
"It's a 44 footer – that was the problem."
"A 44 footer?" says Davido. "But why?"
"An extra rafter has been inserted. Don't ask me why, or who put it there."
"And you didn't check it?"
"I didn't check it, no."
"That's serious negligence, Ted; no two ways about it."
Ted retained a quiet exterior; but an inner battlefield of reaction. Part of him was thinking "Who the fuck are you to reprimand me?" He had no love for GD; and Ted answered to no one, not even Burt. But another part of him was acknowledging his part in all this. There'd been such a ding-dong over the King Pole, he'd taken his eye off the ring. He'd just assumed; and assumption is always a mistake.
"It's going no further, as far as I'm concerned," says GD. "An honest mistake. You're a good man, Ted; and I'm sure it won't happen again."
If Ted was meant to feel grateful for this absolution, then it backfired. Ted felt this remark was presumption; a misguided attempt at authority by a young toff.
"You're mistaking me for someone who cares what you think, GD."
"Just putting down a marker, Ted."
"Then remember to pick it up when leaving," comes the reply. "You might trip on it one day."
More clowning around |
