Unsung hero

This is our hot water bottle. We've had it for about 20 years.

The hot water bottle is one of the world's great inventions; simple, durable, effective, cheap. It brings pleasure to millions but is never eulogised. Until now. Who invented the hot water bottle? I expect they went to a pauper's grave because no-body gives the hot water bottle the praise it surely deserves. But tonight, when the whole of our little crowded island is huddled, cursing the snow, pleased to be warm (if we are warm), bitter if we are bitterly cold. Tonight we should all remember the simple pleasure that this simple device can bring us. So; lets raise our glasses in praise of the HWB - we love you!