Saunton
Saunton is a village situated on the North Devon coast in the South West of England.
Along the Saunton coastline the geology is a mixture of sandstone, shales, siltstones and limestones deposited in a marine dominated environment as well as an unmarine depositional setting. The area is also renowned for its many large glacial erratics which are unique to South West England. One of these is a huge boulder of pink granite weighing over 12 tons.
Saunton’s 'Surf Life Saver's Club holds the title of Super Club of the Year for the fifth year in a row. Originating in Australia the Surf Life Saver's Sport (SLFS) is now a major educational programme with over 80 clubs in the United Kingdom. A surf life saver has to demonstrate character and skill, as well as being physically fit, adaptable and team orientated. Born from local beach users looking out for each other, there is no other sport that is based on humanitarian service such as saving lives on the beach as well as the sea.
Saunton Golf Club is situated on Braunton Burrows has been in existence for over a century. Originally a 9 hole course, by 1908 it had been extended twice from 12 to 18 holes. In 1907 a clubhouse was built at a cost of £1,000, although today it is a private house which can be seen to the right of the East Course 16th fairway. After WWI the course was redesigned by the well-known architect W Herbert Fowler and by the early 20's Saunton Golf Club had a reputation as being one of the finest link courses in the country. Today Saunton offers two fine links courses the location of which has been designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty. There are over 400 varieties of wild flowers which include Evening Primrose, Poppies, Wild Marigolds, as well as a variety of Orchids.
Saunton Sands is a three mile long stretch of flat sand, behind which is a massive area of sand dunes known as Braunton Burrows. The beach is reputed to be clean and the sea unpolluted, and manned by lifeguards the ideal location for long boarding, surfing and other water sports. The beach plays host to many other activities such as sand yachting, surfing and kite flying. The usual facilities are situated at the car park end of the beach.
Saunton Sands has been the location for a number of film and video productions. The 1946 film 'A Matter of Life and Death' showed RAF Squadron Leader Peter Carter played by David Niven being washed up on the beach after being shot down by enemy fire. In 1982 Pink Floyd's film 'The Wall' the beach was used for the First World War trench scenes. And again in 1987 it was used as a backdrop for 700 or more wrought iron hospital beds on the cover of their album 'A Momentary Lapse of Reason.' In the late 90's the beach was the location for Robbie William's video 'Angels.'
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