The Wonderful Hour 20th June 2025

Written by Jason Of Shrine

Category: The Wonderful Hour

Doctor Who, Petrol Stations, and Grass: Everyday Wonders

Episode four of Tommy Boyd’s The Wonderful Hour takes listeners on a journey from meandering walks to petrol station pit stops, from blades of grass breaking through concrete to the timeless magic of Doctor Who. Along the way, there are golden retriever tales, open fires, pharmacies, songs that stick in your head, and even Lego cricket. Tommy finds wonder in the ordinary and shows us how to notice it.

The Joy of Meandering

Listener Hayley calls in to celebrate the lost art of meandering. Wandering without a destination, seeing new things, and walking without hurry is a form of freedom. Tommy agrees — having time on your hands and choosing not to rush is wonderful. Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones without maps.

Petrol Stations as Oases

Petrol stations, says Harry, are like airports — self-contained bubbles where anything feels possible. Snacks, sandwiches, overpriced treats, and an unhurried browse make them more than just fuel stops. Tommy expands on the idea: a petrol station break is a pause in the journey, a little oasis before the motorway continues. For a few minutes, you have yourself to yourself. Petrol stations are wonderful.

A Blade of Grass in Croydon

In the concrete jungle of Croydon, Tommy once noticed a tiny blade of grass pushing through two paving slabs. Surrounded by nothing but concrete, it stood as a symbol of resilience and life. The sight led him to reflect on his golden retriever Nugget, a natural hunter who lived life fully and reminded him of the importance of living while alive. Even a single blade of grass can be wonderful.

Doctor Who: A Lifetime Companion

Tommy recalls watching the very first episode of Doctor Who in 1963. From William Hartnell’s debut to the Daleks, Cybermen, and the towering Coquillian, the series has been a constant companion for generations. Fear, excitement, and imagination made Saturday evenings special. For Tommy, Tom Baker remains the definitive Doctor — eccentric, unpredictable, and closest to a real time lord. Doctor Who, he insists, is wonderful.

Open Fires

From bonfires to log fires, Tommy celebrates the heat, crackle, and companionship of real flames. Pets curl up in front of them, families gather around them, and films feel better when watched beside them. Even in an age of radiators and streaming, an open fire is alive, unpredictable, and deeply comforting. Open fires are wonderful.

Songs That Stick in Your Head

Tommy talks about the joy (and occasional frustration) of songs that play on repeat in your mind. For him, recently it has been Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” sparked by memories of Live Aid. Songs that stay with you are more than earworms — they are little reminders of joy that follow you through the day. They are wonderful.

Pharmacies

Often overlooked, pharmacies are places where people receive vital help, careful prescriptions, and reassurance. From splitting foil packs to giving advice, pharmacists ensure people get exactly what they need. They are unsung heroes of healthcare. Pharmacies are wonderful.

Lego and Indoor Cricket

Tommy reflects on Meccano versus Lego, admitting Lego was his childhood favourite. Simple bricks sparked endless creativity. He recalls inventing indoor cricket using Lego as a ball-launcher and a padded coat hanger as a bat. Creativity, imagination, and laughter made it wonderful. Lego is wonderful.

Why Listen to The Wonderful Hour?

From Doctor Who memories to petrol station snacks, from open fires to Lego games, this episode blends nostalgia with reflection. The Wonderful Hour reminds us that everyday life is full of marvels — if we pause to notice them.

How to Get Involved and Listen

Tommy invites listeners to share their own wonderful moments by calling 07836 314 007. You can also submit your stories at https://tommyboydshrine.co.uk/wonderful. The best contributions will appear in future episodes. Listen on Libsyn, or find the podcast on Spotify, Podbean, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms.

Do not just listen. Subscribe, review, and share your favourite moments. Help spread the wonder with #WonderfulHour.

Conclusion

From meandering to petrol stations, from Doctor Who to Lego cricket, Tommy Boyd shows us that wonder is everywhere. Life feels richer when we stop, look, and notice it. Even a blade of grass between paving stones can be a source of inspiration.

Created on June 20, 2025