He’s met princes, presidents and Popes, so it was perhaps inevitable when Sir Bob Geldof arrived in Wimborne 20 years ago that it would be no ordinary visit.
Sure enough, the Live Aid organiser had only been in town a few minutes on April 28, 2002, when he was confronted by then-mayor Anthony Oliver – as these pictures from the Echo archive show.
Geldof, trying to hail a cab outside the Tivoli Theatre at the time, was surprised to see Cllr Oliver in robes and ceremonial chain, bearing down on him.
“Good afternoon Sir Bob. Welcome to Wimborne,” gushed the mayor. “Er, would you like to help us plant a rosemary bush?”
Geldof looked puzzled but then shrugged and nodded.
Bob Geldof walks up the Physic Garden with Wimborne Mayor Anthony Oliver.
So it was that the Wimborne leg of their Sex, Age and Death tour began in a courtyard behind the town hall, where there unfolded a scene surreal even to Geldof’s worldweary eyes.
He was greeted by the swordcarrying, musket-toting Wimborne Militia, the town’s ceremonial army. In scarlet 17th century tunics, they watched from beneath their floppy hats as Geldof was handed a spade.
Bob Geldof on stage at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne.
Of the rosemary he asked: “Is this legal? I’m not sure if I should plant this or roll it!”
The good burghers chuckled politely.
Wimborne Mayor Anthony Oliver asks Bob Geldof to plant a rosemary bush in the new Physic garden.
Geldof’s mobile rang. It was one of his daughters.
“Actually I’m standing in this beautiful garden surrounded by soldiers in bright red 17th century costumes,” he told her.
“No, of course I’m not on drugs. It’s really happening...”
Sir Bob jumps at the sound of the salute.
But even Geldof must have wondered when, at the end of the ceremony, the musketeers raised their weapons and fired a deafening salute.
On stage later, Geldof was in a smiling mood and ready to blast into joyous action backed by a fiddle, accordion and guitar-driven five-piece.
Bob Geldof outside the Tivoli.
They were on stage at Tivoli Theatre for almost two-and-a-half hours and stormed through more than 25 years worth of material from the big Rats hits to the present angst-ridden introspection of Sex, Age and Death.
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