THE taxi driver said: “There’s no art gallery around here, mate.”

Until, that is, I pointed out to him it was a re-birth and renaissance “happening” - part of the Garston Cultural Village.

In fact, it had simply moved from across the road.

And there it was, The New Slaughterhouse, sandwiched in between shops but alive and kicking.

Adrian Henri, one-time Daily Post reviewer, would have enjoyed this event – he loved gallery openings.

Phil Redmond, with his culture cap on praising the inspirational artist Alex Corina’s hard work, opened the launch.

Roger Phillips read Henri’s apt poem, I Want To Paint.

The late, great Birkenhead poet would have been 76 on the eve of the opening.

His spirit lives on thanks to his partner, Catherine Marcangeli, who has lovingly put together this exceptional exhibition.

Adrian Henri: of Meat and Flowers is a joyous celebration of his craft. Life, love, death are all here as is Adrian’s much-missed sense of humour evident throughout.

In his works of joy there was always an element of darkness too. One message prevails – life is for living.

And in Garston I raised a glass to the success of the cultural village and to an absent friend.

* THE New Slaughterhouse Gallery, 56, St Mary’s Road. April 11 - May 26.