WITH plans afoot to honour the Northwich links of one of the town's lesser known stars, it seems the man himself would be happy to offer his support.

The idea to create an event or a tribute to mark the legacy of singer Rupert Holmes was the brain child of Tom Barrow. who discovered the man behind 'the Piña Colada song' was actually born in the town in 1947 when researching a quiz during lockdown.

Ideas put forward so far, include a Piña Colada festival in the summer, a lyric walkway, a statue, or even a cocktail umbrella themed art installation.

Contact has been established with the man himself and his associate has taken the time to recall some of his memories of living in the town, before the family moved to America when he was six.

Teressa Jennings said: "I know that Rupert cherishes and is very proud of his early years in Northwich, and the family and friends he spent time with when re-visiting Northwich in his teens.

"He tells me his grandmother Isabel Pynn was head cook in the canteen of the ICI factory, whose smokestacks could be clearly seen from two-up-two-down in Hemming Street where he lived.

"His mother, Gwendolen Pynn, was an executive secretary (as the title then was) before she met her husband, who was an American warrant officer and infantry division band leader stationed near Northwich after the second world war."

Northwich Guardian: Rupert Holmes, the singer of "Escape (The Pina Colada song)" was born in Northwich in 1947.

Rupert Holmes, the singer of "Escape (The Pina Colada song)" was born in Northwich in 1947.

In the public concious at least, Rupert is probably best known for his 1979 hit "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)", which was the last number one in the US Hot 100 of the 1970's, and also topped the chats in Canada.

However, he is actually a multi-talented artist, winning two Tony Awards for his musical Drood, as well as writing several plays and books, which makes him more than worthy of some formal acknowledgement from his home town.

Teressa added: "We would be pleased to support any effort to acknowledge his Northwich beginnings and how the family and friends there shaped his life not only in his earliest years but visiting and living in Northwich for several summers in his teens.

"I'll be very happy to serve as a conduit to Rupert in any way I can, who I know would personally be glad to share some of his Cheshire memories (Northwich, Castle, Greenbank, Hartford.)

For proud Northwich man Tom, he just wants to bring some fun back to his town.

He said: "It could have the potential to galvanise bars, pubs and restaurants around, especially when you think of how rough they've had it over the last year.

"I just think it could be something unique to bring the people of the town together.

"Plus it's also something no other town could lay claim to, so we should celebrate it really."

The idea has already had the support of local councillor Sam Naylor who is hoping to set the wheels in motion and bring and event to the town this summer, restrictions being lifted permitting.

He said he was hoping to discuss it with Northwich BID and the Town Council, with the new al fresco event space currently being built on the site of the old outdoor market being a perfect location.