Workshop - Simulator Awareness - Norwich, Norfolk
Workshop Detail
A half-day workshop covering the various sensor systems and software available, as well as their use with dumb bells and real bells.
Practical sessions explore how simulators can be used in the teaching of foundation skills and method ringing.
Workshop objectives
By the end of the workshop, you should have a an understanding of how simulators work, how to set one up and their general capabilities.
Content
Introduction
The introduction looks at the various sensor systems and software available, as well as explaining how to overcome common set-up problems. Practical sessions give an overview of the different software packages and an opportunity to experience them.
In-depth options
Options focus on a specific software package (either Abel, Beltower or Virtual Belfry). They look at how the video features can be used to teach ropesight, and how the striking analysis tools can be used to help improve striking accuracy.
Practical Sessions
Delegates will work in pairs on a computer ‘workstation’. We start by explaining how to teach people to ring accurate rounds, including counting your place and leading. We then explain how to take them through a step-by-step approach to develop bell control and listening skills. Exercises involving changing speed at handstroke and backstroke are practiced before doing this continuously to plain hunt and progressing on to ringing methods.
Who is this workshop for?
People with little or no knowledge of simulators, who may have one in their tower but are not sure how to get it going, or who may be considering buying and installing one.
Eligibility
The workshop is open to anyone who is a competent ringer and interested in teaching with the assistance of a simulator.
Delegates are advised to bring a notepad and pen, plus a packed lunch, or enjoy some of the foods and drinks from market stalls around the church.
Event Details
Event Start | Sat 30-Apr-2022 10:30 |
Event End | Sat 30-Apr-2022 14:00 |
Registration Closes(Cut-off) | Mon 25-Apr-2022 |
Capacity | 8 |
Registered | 8 |
Available places | 0 |
Event Fee | £10 per attendee + £10 tower donation payable locally |
Location | Mancroft Ringing Discovery Centre, Norwich |
Location Map
Team

Nikki Thomas
Workshop Presenter
Nikki learnt to ring in Norfolk from the age of 9 having been taken along to listen to the “Proper Ringers” ringing the Christmas Eve peal at Long Stratton by her Dad who is also a keen bell ringer.
Nikki joined the Guild of St Peter Mancroft in the 1980’s and has been a Guild member ever since. Having moved to Broadland along with husband Neil they established a band at South Walsham. The South Walsham band has both a Junior band and a Regular band, with two practices a week. She has been lucky to ring in a great many places not only in the UK but also Australia and USA.
Taking on the role of General Secretary of the Norwich Diocesan Associations of Ringers, a post she took on as she is unable to resist the charm of the NDA President the Rev Paul Cubitt and thought it would compliment the role of Manager at the Mancroft Ringing Discovery Centre.
In November 2018 Nikki was appointed the Manager of the Mancroft Ringing Discovery Centre, a part time paid role that appears to occupy every spare minute.
When not ringing Nikki plays her clarinet in a wind quintet and a local orchestra, she also loves cycling.