THERE must be moments when Joe Public wonders what's going on.

As a democratic society we try to respect the law, pay taxes, parking charges and elect upstanding councillors to represent us.

And yet the overriding power of higher authority seems to decide (often behind closed doors) what's best for us!

The latest bureaucratic confusion concerning Brixham must surely be Torbay Council's agreement for the expansion of Landscove Caravan Park.

Recent public consultations clearly established that many residents were not in favour of such a drastic increase.

Objections concerned overcrowding, sewerage, traffic congestion and added encroachment on a headland considered to be an area of natural tranquillity.

So, doesn't anyone in authority listen?

Brixham Town Council, already struggling against some public apathy, made it abundantly clear to Torbay planners that such a significant increase in the number of units did not meet with residents' approval.

It's no wonder some dissidents question a town council being real value for money!

Consequently, even though Cllrs Mike Morey and Terry Manning voted against the application, the request to increase the camp's size by almost 100 per cent was passed by Torbay.

It's reported that Cllr Kevin Carroll said: "Brixham should consider itself fortunate that any business wants to invest £2.5million in the tourist industry."

Maybe so, Mr Carroll, but surely the opinions of long-standing residents should be the prime consideration of any democratic authority?

Inquiring why a local referendum hadn't taken place over such an important issue, the ol' sailor was quickly taken to task about the cost of such a procedure.

But surely it wouldn't cost an arm and a leg for interested folk to visit Brixham Town Hall and sign a book for or against projects affecting the community?

Sometimes it almost seems as if Torquay Town Hall's aim is to cynically remind Brixham Town Council that they're only a glorified talking-shop without real power!

Shame!

AN AMERICAN sea captain once told me he truly respected the way British folk honoured those, who for whatever reason, achieve a standing within the community.

At the lifeboat house there's a proud list of coxswains who, in the maritime history of Torbay, risked their lives to go to the aid of those in trouble at sea.

Recently the town erected a plaque commemorating Skipper William Pillar and the crew of BM 291 Provident, for saving 70 lives during the First World War.

As a caring community we quietly salute citizens who by their actions have shown that Brixham is the main focus of their endeavours, be they seafarers, politicians, scholars or artists.

And talking of artists, at the end of this month, thanks to various local organisations, Brixham will pay tribute to internationally acclaimed marine artist John Chancellor.

A rare breed of painter, back in the 1960s, after becoming disillusioned with deep-sea life, John returned to the coastal trade and 'dropped anchor', making Brixham his family home, where he quickly became accepted as part of the port's industry.

His early endeavours found him painting trawlers (that's on canvas, not standing under the hull with a pot of anti-fouling) and it wasn't long before his artistic talents came to the attention of Triton Gallery's Austin Hawkins. With Austin's help, John's paintings were introduced to the London scene and his work eventually became acknowledged worldwide.

Sadly, as so often happens with creative people, John's life ended far too quickly, but we are left with his artistic achievements.

Those with an eye for fine art will appreciate the man's talent and those who have sailed through the eye of the storm will acknowledge that his 'seas' are almost real!

HAVING reached the age where social invitations don't come every week, out of the blue three arrived.

I'll save the third one for a later date, but number one was for Madam and me to join the Brixham Orpheus Choir at their annual dinner at the Churston Golf Club.

The food and service were excellent. We shared a wonderful evening with choir secretary Stan Gregory and his wife Marion, together with Jim Merchant, Eddy Phillips and their lovely ladies.

Being 'proper Brixham', the yarns stretched back to schooldays, first employment and 'other items' that caused loads of giggles.

After the meal there was music, dancing and a sing-song. It was fascinating to watch ladies and gentlemen of 'advancing years' dancing to rock 'n' roll music that some youngsters might consider exclusively theirs. Thank you, Stan, a wonderful evening!

Occasion number two concerned Paignton Rowing Club and the splendid racing gig recently purchased from Mounts Bay, Cornwall.

Club president Terry Ekers had kindly invited me along to take part in the naming ceremony at Paignton Harbour.

A large happy crowd gathered at the water's edge on a bright spring-like afternoon and after the blessing of the bright yellow craft, yours truly duly named her 'Storm'.

The first to try out the freshly renovated gig's paces was a ladies' crew. They did offer to take me for a trip around the Bay but there was a certain mischievous glint in their eyes so, not wanting to be marooned on the Thatcher Rock, I wisely retreated to the clubhouse and joined Terry and Keith Foster (on holiday from France) in raising a glass to the boat's future racing success.

The Paignton Rowing Club is certainly a credit to the members (my understanding is that there are well over 60 folks involved) with ages ranging from teenagers to the 'well matured'.

Terry was telling me that his ambition is to see gig racing expand across Torbay; perhaps even establishing a Brixham club that one day might allow Torbay to compete with the kind of excitement generated by the Scilly Isles Gig Festival.

Without a doubt it would certainly increase Torbay's tourism footprint if a similar atmosphere to the Scillies festival could be recreated here.

Such community endeavours would certainly fit better into a Mayoral Vision than the sight of high-rise apartments spoiling the tranquil landscape of the lovely Paignton Harbour.