In 1972 the new Helston/Kerrier Youth Centre, based at Helston Comprehensive School, appointed its first qualified full-time Youth and Community Officer in the shape of Roland Holton, an ex C.P.O in the Royal Navy.

It was a go-ahead club with members participating in many sports.  After seeing Olga Korbut in the Olympic Games a group of teenagers asked if they could do gymnastics during the summer holidays.  Mats and a vaulting box were borrowed and gymnastics in the sunshine on the school playing fields began.

The interest soon increased with classes taking place in the evening.  The growth lead Roland and his wife, Muriel, to North Devon to complete their first course to gain the necessary coaching skills.  Once they had achieved this the girls then started to look for competitions within the County.  In 1976 the “Swallows of Helston” name was chosen, along with the club colours of purple and white.

In order for the club to move forward more equipment was needed.  Parents came forward to help with the fundraising, whilst others became coaches.  With everyone volunteering all the money was spent on equipment.  We were lucky to get our first 12 metre square mat through a Sports Council loan, before getting our sprung floor for competitions through fundraising and sponsorship in 1990.

In 1991 with the introduction of costs for hiring school facilities it was felt that the club needed to have a permanent home.  Having found our current premises, on the Water-Ma-Trout Industrial Estate, Roland took on a three year lease.  Rent and running costs required an expansion of the programme, and the popular Mums and Tots groups were started, whilst the Recreational Gymnastics took off with a vengance.

The club was able to expand its competitive aspect and now included the Boys section.

We then approached Littlewoods Charity and asked for assistance.  Following a feasibility study into the the expenditure and expansion, we successfully applied for a grant of £30,000 from the Foundation for the Sports and Arts, which enabled us to develop the premises.  We were able to expand from catering for 100 gymnasts to in excess of 500.

Having become a Registered Charity in 1994, run by an Executive Committee of trustees, we then became a Limited Company with charitable status in September 2002.

Our strong band of both paid and volunteer coaches and dedicated parents have been instrumental in making Swallows of Helston the great club it is today!