I definately agree with the cakes and wine theory!!!
At my unit, the flying club do include a visit to the tower as part of the initial training, and we try to explain what we are about. Although it has to be said that we only have one flying school, so we don't have a constant flow of people.
Saying that, visiting pilots often come up to the tower to have a look and they are most welcome.
I hope to learn to fly again soon, and I am pretty sure despite my ATC experience I will make some gaffs.
Just going back to the practising on the ground bit. You will also find that if you don't have to concentrate on getting the R/T right because it will become easier through practice, you will have more time to concentrate on the practicle flying aspect.
That was also the case during my ATCO training. Once familiar with the R/T, I could progress faster on the practicle side.
I won't say much more than that, except again Good luck, and don't forget the cakes!!!!!
