19 JULY 1997, Page 21

Sweet Thames, run softly

I LIKE the way that Thames Water keeps faith with its shareholders. Gordon Brown may dip into its profits, John Prescott twid- dles its taps and some professional con- sumers (never touch the stuff myself) com- plain about the money leaking out in divi- dends, but never mind — on 7 and 8 September there will be a grand reunion at the Maple Lodge Sewage Works, Hertford- shire. All shareholders welcome. Invest now and send your acceptance to the Royal Bank of Scotland, Thames's registrars. Self- guided tours of the 110-acre site, facilities for bird-watching, coach service to and from Rickmansworth station. See you there. Bring a bottle