Although I'm happy to be accused of stretching an analogy too far, the 124 mile journey of the River Thames from its rural source to the point it becomes tidal, is rather like the development of a child, from wriggling infant to grown young man, ready to head off to sea to seek adventure far from its home shores. Along the way it leaves its toys lying around, gets into technology and even acquires some brand-name accessories. Oh, and don't get me started on the state of its bedroom....
