I actually think the chimney is good Phil, I think it would be lacking something without it & makes more of a good structure to the whole picture. Are they playing Poo Sticks?
How disappointing!! would have loved to have seen a pic of you 'not' taking the chimney!! I really like this...uncluttered and as you say minimalistic and lovely blue sky!!
like this shot Phil, like your POV, now surely a bit of wading from you just "to see" whether it worked better without the chimney shouldn't have gone amiss...just for the story!!