The Wonderful Hour 26th June 2025

Written by Jason Of Shrine

Category: The Wonderful Hour

Trains, Crisps, and Friends for Life: The Joys of Tommy Boyd's Wonderful Hour

This week’s episode of The Wonderful Hour is packed with vivid moments: the rush of an express train, the joy of waking from a nap on a Saturday, the warmth of Barbara’s Facebook post, the sting and usefulness of nettles, the loyalty of lifelong friends, and even the dust at the bottom of a crisp packet. Tommy Boyd is joined by listeners near and far who remind us that wonder hides in the simplest places.

The Rush of a Straight Through Train

Standing behind the yellow line, Tommy describes the thrill of a train that does not stop. The whoosh of air, the tilt of the body, the mystery of empty carriages rushing past — the express is more than a train, it is an event. The straight through train is wonderful.

The Wonder of a Nap

Casey from Cornwall sends in a reflection about naps: that moment of panic when you wake, unsure of the day, followed by the relief of realising it is Saturday and you have nothing to do. Tommy relates with his own memory of dressing for work on a Sunday before realising he was free. The joy of naps, and the moment of clarity they bring, is wonderful.

Box Sets and the 30 Second Clock

Tommy recalls the old studio countdown clock that appeared between episodes of a TV series. Instead of getting up, the 30 seconds was all the excuse needed to keep watching. A little relic of television production turned into a wonderful gift for viewers.

The Older Generation on Social Media

Harry shares a story about Barbara, an older lady in a local Facebook group. While others posted unhelpful or cruel comments, Barbara’s warm note about a missing cat, afternoon tea, and scrummy jam brought light to everyone who read it. Tommy celebrates her as a reminder that kindness online is possible. Barbara is wonderful.

Stinging Nettles

From childhood stings soothed with dock leaves (which never worked) to nettle soup and even nettle rope, Tommy finds wonder in this overlooked plant. Foraging something safe, useful, and ancient gives nettles a surprising charm. Stinging nettles are wonderful.

Friends for Life

Tommy reflects on the rare and valuable gift of lifelong friends: colleagues like Mick Robertson, neighbours like Gordon, private detective Rob, and Springwatch presenter Michaela Strachan. These friendships, decades deep, bring comfort and joy. To grow old alongside friends is wonderful.

School Days and Last Times

James from Northern Ireland shares a moving contribution about his children finishing primary school. The idea of “last times” — the last bus ride, the last walk home as a student — touched Tommy and listeners alike. Childhood endings, and the memories they leave behind, are wonderful.

Steve’s Message

A listener named Steve sent word that Tommy’s presence on the radio once helped him through a dark period. Tommy, uncomfortable with praise, reflects on the importance of learning to accept it with grace. Connection and encouragement are wonderful.

The Empty Bag of Crisps

There is no such thing as an empty crisp packet. At the bottom lies the dust — concentrated flavour that melts instantly in your mouth. Salt and vinegar, cheese and onion, smoky bacon — the flavour burst is both indulgent and irresistible. Even crisp dust is wonderful.

Shared Thoughts

Tommy notes the joy of thinking the same thing at the same moment as someone close to you. Random, unexpected, and perfectly timed, it feels like a small miracle of connection. Shared thoughts are wonderful.

Toothbrushes

From symbolism in relationships to the debate over “up and down” versus “round and round,” toothbrushes are simple yet profound. They keep us healthy, they mark milestones in life, and they never stop being useful. Toothbrushes are wonderful.

A Tribute to Mel Brooks

Tommy pays tribute to Mel Brooks, approaching 99 and still sharp as ever. From the “2000 Year Old Man” sketches to films like The Twelve Chairs, Brooks has brought joy and generosity to generations. For Tommy, Mel Brooks is one of the funniest men to have lived — and he is wonderful.

A Free Hot Chocolate

The show closes with listener Ian, recording from Mansfield as he collects a free hot chocolate. Friendly service, small kindnesses, and even the Beatles’ history in the café’s building all make the moment rich. A free hot chocolate is wonderful.

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. 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 the whoosh of trains to the last dust in a crisp packet, from friends of a lifetime to the genius of Mel Brooks, Tommy Boyd shows that wonder is everywhere. Even the smallest details, noticed with care, can transform into extraordinary moments.

Created on June 26, 2025