The Helston community gathered to remember Roland 'Chiefy' Holton and wife Muriel with a memorial bench unveiled outside the Methodist Church.

Chiefy (aged 90) and Muriel (aged 93) sadly passed away last year. They were both influential in many local kids' lives. Chiefy was the founder of the popular Basement Youth Club, and they established the Swallows of Helston Gymnastics Club.

After Chiefy passed away, a fundraiser was set up by former youth club member Simon Colgan to create a lasting memory for the great man.

Just over £1,000 was raised for the bench - with any leftover money going towards Muriel's charity.

A blessing and an official unveiling of the bench took place on Monday evening (16th) attended by Simon, alongside Rev Danny Reed, Rex Kempthorn (who used to work at the youth club), Lottie Revel (Chiefy's goddaughter), Martin Matthews, and Mayor Tim Grattan Kane, among many others.

Rev Danny Reed blessing the bench. Taken by Simon Colgan.

The memorial opened with a few words from Freemen of Helston Martin Matthews, he said:

"Roland, affectionately known to many as Chiefy, made a significant impact on so many young people in Helston and the surrounding area for over 40 years.

"One of the greatest tributes to anyone is that they changed the course of young people's lives. Putting them on a course to becoming good citizens. We are gathered here this evening because a former member of the youth club Simon Colgan owed so much to Chiefy and Muriel. He thought a permanent memorial should be set up for them both."

Rex and Lottie cut the ribbon to officially unveil the bench. Taken by Simon Colgan.

Simon wrote his own tribute that was read out by Martin, which said:

"I remember Chiefy from a long time ago. Every week I would look forward to Tuesday night youth club. Every Tuesday without fail I met my friends at the club where we skateboarded, danced, and played pool. I started to get into trouble. Not sure if it was anyone's fault other than mine and I got banned.

"One afternoon during one of my bans Chiefy came and met me at the school gate. I thought that I would be in for a telling off. Instead of getting a talking to by Chiefy he asked me to open as he was going to be late. My friends thought it was great and we could go in to eat all the tuck. However, I didn't let them come in with me. I unlocked the door, turned on the light, and got everything ready. The door of the office flew open and Chiefy came out.

"He said 'well done, I knew I could count on you'. I handed over the keys and that was the turning point. I even helped out in the tuck shop occasionally and I felt proud that there was that much trust from a man I looked up to.

Martin Matthews reads out the tributes. Taken by Simon Colgan.

"After leaving school I didn't see Chiefy again until about 35 years later in Sainsbury's cafe. We were reunited and I had the chance to thank him for trusting me that day. He said he knew I was a good lad. The memory of him will never leave me.

"The man did everything for his community, he never complained, he never gave up. He always had time for whoever needed it and Muriel was the same. I started the crowdfunder to get a bench so they would never be forgotten."