I feel I must respond to the letter by Charlie Gange of Cowes, who was highly delighted at the demise of the Fawley chimney.

I know I’m among many who looked fondly upon this piece of industrial architecture, not as a blight on the landscape at all.

I’ve always found it a comforting presence, like a lighthouse, a beacon for sailors and all who use the Solent.

The view from East Cowes will be sadly diminished as far as I’m concerned.

And now it’s all over, we can all reflect that once our useful life is over, we, too, will return to dust.