Inspired by something on another thread about Liz Smith, how about a thread on who is your national treasure, and why? 2008 saw us lose at least one in Humphrey Lyttelton, but who's yours for 2009?
My opening gambit is Billy Bragg (who, incidentally, I saw tonight). I have an inkling (!) that some people on here won't agree with his politics or like his music, but you've got to love his passion and wit, haven't you?
Over to you....