The Wonderful Hour 6th June 2025

Written by Jason Of Shrine

Category: The Wonderful Hour

Hot Water Bottles, Rain, and Wimbledon: Finding Wonder in Everyday Life

The second episode of Tommy Boyd’s new podcast The Wonderful Hour continues the journey into the extraordinary hidden in the ordinary. From the simple comfort of a hot water bottle, to the indulgence of a pork pie at a motorway service station, to the ritual joy of Wimbledon on the television, Tommy weaves a tapestry of life’s overlooked delights. This is radio at its most personal and affectionate — small stories told with warmth, humour, and insight.

The Hot Water Bottle

Tommy recalls a night when his wife’s friend stayed over, unwell and tired. While dinner bubbled away on the stove, Tommy quietly fetched an old hot water bottle, filled it carefully, and placed it under the bedcovers. The next morning she came downstairs full of energy, delighted by the unexpected comfort. That moment sent Tommy back to childhood days when his father would bring him a hot water bottle, dried off at the stopper, and set it gently on the bed. For Tommy, the hot water bottle is not just warmth but a symbol of care — a reminder that the smallest gestures can be the most wonderful.

Pork Pies on the Motorway

Another moment of wonder comes from a motorway service station. Tommy describes the guilty pleasure of unwrapping a pork pie in the driver’s seat, knowing it is indulgent but revelling in it nonetheless. He recalls how listeners once revealed a Christmas Day tradition of pork pies for breakfast — a reminder that even the simplest foods can be loaded with tradition, memory, and joy.

The Joy of Rain

Rain is usually treated as bad news by the weather forecasters, but Tommy sees it differently. Sitting beneath a parasol in the garden, or in the open doorway of a garage, listening to the rain patter down while staying dry is one of life’s quiet pleasures. Rain is not an inconvenience — it is what makes Britain green, fertile, and alive. In the right frame of mind, rain is absolutely wonderful.

Everyday Triumphs

From the smug joy of overtaking a tailgating Audi driver at the roundabout, to the comfort of beans on toast made by somebody else, Tommy finds delight in the tiniest of human victories. Even a haircut becomes an adventure, whether it is the simple therapy of the local barber or the theatrical absurdity of a Chelsea salon where the stylist never touches your head but commands his assistants like an orchestra.

Wimbledon Magic

For Tommy, Wimbledon is not just tennis — it is a season. The fortnight of matches, the BBC commentary, the collective hope for underdogs, and the shared tradition of watching after school or work make it one of Britain’s greatest annual rituals. Wimbledon is, in its own way, an exercise in national wonder.

The Gift of Serendipity

The most moving story of the episode is about serendipity — the act of giving small, unexpected gifts. Tommy recalls how a colleague used to hand out little presents, just to brighten someone’s day. Inspired, Tommy once gave a young woman leaving his workplace a simple set of paints and a brush. Years later, she recognised him at a vet’s surgery and told him she still used them, and that the gift had meant more than he could imagine. For Tommy, the true wonder lies not in receiving, but in giving.

Beer, Friends, and Friday Nights

The episode closes with listener Harry painting a vivid picture of Friday night beers at the tennis club — the camaraderie, the laughter, the shared rounds, and the joy of deciding on fish and chips for dinner. For Tommy, it captures the spirit of The Wonderful Hour: the reminder that wonder is everywhere, if only we pause long enough to notice it.

Why Listen to The Wonderful Hour?

The Wonderful Hour thrives on contributions. Tommy invites you to share your own moment of wonder: a quirky habit, a heartfelt memory, a story that made you smile. It is funny, moving, and deeply human — proof that the world is richer when we celebrate the overlooked.

How to Get Involved and Listen

You can submit your own stories directly at https://tommyboydshrine.co.uk/wonderful, and the best will be read on air. Listen on Libsyn, or find the podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.

Do not just listen. Subscribe, leave a review, and share your favourite moments with friends. Spread the wonder with #WonderfulHour and help the community grow.

Conclusion

From hot water bottles to pork pies, from rain to Wimbledon, Tommy Boyd reminds us that wonder is not rare — it is everywhere. The Wonderful Hour is an invitation to slow down, look closer, and celebrate the things that make life worth living.

Created on June 6, 2025