Southport’s most famous Italian restaurant will now play home to a memorial for a popular resort musician.
Southport’s most famous Italian restaurant will
now play home to a memorial for a popular resort musician.
Diners at Volare Restaurant on Lord Street are now being greeted at the door by a poignant floral tribute to Southport pianist Frank Garner.
Frank, who lit up hotel bars and clubs with his playing, sadly passed away at the beginning of 2023 at the age of 88.
Now Frank’s friends and family have teamed up with Volare Restaurant, Lord Street, to erect a permanent tribute to him.
Owners Onofrio Maimone & Cinzia Lopalco said there were delighted to be asked to home the the tribute, having known Frank for many years as a regular diner at Volare.
Frank’s friends, who meet under the informal title of the ‘Thursday Club’ organised the memorial.
Club member and famous football author John Keith led the tributes to Frank, saying he “weaved a tapestry of music almost his entire life.”
John said: “The sight of him in his white tuxedo and the sounds of his mellifluous piano playing will be embedded in the memory of the many hundreds of people who loved his repertoire.
“Away from the piano Frank was a very well known face across Southport and Merseyside and became fast friends with nearly everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.
“We approached Volare about the possibility of a tribute and they were only too happy to help.
“Our huge thanks must go to Onofrio and Cinzia for their support and we’re overjoyed that Frank will keep making people smile, although this time through beautiful floral blooms in place of his fantastic musical talents.”
Frank’s daughter Alison joined members of the Thursday Club and Onofrio Maimone to unveil the tribute on Friday, April 28th.
John added: “Sadly, with Frank’s passing only Dave Shields, myself and our newest member, photographer Ollie Cowan, remain to carry the Thursday Club flag.
“But I’m sure that somewhere in the celestial firmament a piano is tinkling - Rest in Peace, Frank.”