I would like to have a font (Times for example) follow a path - but not in the usual way I have in the past.  The font needs to remain upright - so perhaps it follows an envelope (forgive me I don't know the correct terminology).

Basically I have an example which I will attach.  Please treat me as a numbskull and if you know how to do it - or there is a video which explains it simply (very simply) link to that.

Thank you anyone who replies.  I want to make a poster as a Christmas present. 

Path effects don't work with text objects but they do work on clones of text objects.

Type your text then create a clone [alt+d]. Open the Path Effects dialog then [+] to add an effect. Select Envelope Deformation. Select [Enable top and bottom paths]. Deselect [Enable left and right paths].Draw two parallel paths tracing the upper and lower boundaries of the curved text. Copy the upper path. Now back to the cloned text and select [Top bend path: Link to path in clipboard]. Copy the lower path then [Bottom bend path: Link to path in clipboard]. Here's a template svg.

Due to compounded transformations and deformations, moving and resizing the curved text is not intuitive. It's usually better to edit the linked boundary paths rather than editing the clone itself.

We really need to have a look at that UX.

Excellent idea (process), Paddy_Cad.

Another  possible way  - not as elegant as what he shared - to make the text stay "Vertical" can be found here:

https://inkscape.org/forums/tutorials/making-text-stay-vertical-to-page-as-it-follows-a-curce/

Hi Ken. Your method has one great advantage. It adds a 3D perspective to the text. Think of a flag rippling in the wind. Text in a "folded" area should appear narrower than in the "flat" areas.

I was struggling to get everything to work as you suggested - then I realised I was working with an older version Doh!  Now I seem to be making progress.  Thanks for the guidence.