Hi Rosalind
I like it, but I'm biased as I also invented it!
I hope you saved the worms. Once the base layer has formed, you can use the bottom half of your HotBin as wormery (it is cooler and you will find the worms say in the lower half) and the top half as a fast hot composter.
If you are just about to take out your first layer of compost, you might be interested in this post:
http://www.hotbincomposting.com/boards/t/798/how-does-hotbin-compost-look-feel.aspx
kind regards
Tony C / HotBin