Ovaltine chimney demolition in Kings Langley in 1975 photos

A Watford Observer photographer was among those who climbed up 187ft of scaffolding on August 1, 1975 to get pictures of the first bricks being knocked off the top of the Ovaltine factory chimney – a prominent feature in Kings Langley since it was built 49 years earlier.

Our edition of August 8 reported the ceremony was watched – from the ground – by 80-year-old Charlie Appleton of Kings Langley – a former steeplejack who, with the help of his uncle, built the chimney, originally 212ft high, in 1926.

Charlie Appleton is presented with the first brick to be removed (Image: Watford Observer)

The first brick to be removed was later presented to Charlie as a keepsake.

Not a hard hat or piece of protective clothing in sight! (Image: Watford Observer)

• When the 'Abbey Flyer' travelled over a bridge being replaced
• Recalling some recent additions to Watford town centre 50 years ago
• A post-war scene that remains very familiar today

Take a look at these pictures from our archive that were taken at an assignment that certainly called for a good head for heights.

The rubble comes out of a chute in a cloud of dust at the bottom of the chimney (Image: Watford Observer)

Don't look down! (Image: Watford Observer)