Children's Special Service Mission

Begun by Thomas 'Pious' Hughes and Josiah Spiers in Islington, London, this evangelical Christian movement was less formal than the Sunday Schools of the day and attracted children who in turn brought their friends.

Volunteers from different Christian churches go on mission together, set up large tents at popular seaside sites where people spend summer holidays, typically for two weeks.

In certain towns, like Sheringham in Norfolk, the volunteers lived in large houses offered free by the owners.

A typical week day would start at 8.00am with 'Gold Diggers' where a volunteer and a small class of children would meet and discuss a short section of the Bible.

Some beach missions also make use of nearby church halls for teenage activities, such as a coffee shop or to stage a dance.