A glengarry, a bottle of whisky, the family coat of arms: what could it mean? Herb Ritchie found out what his daughters had been up to.
For many years, I searched the Otago Daily Times believing that I would find my name in the Queen’s Birthday Honours and if not, then surely in the New Year’s Honours list. No such luck! But I managed to convince the children, in jest, to recognise their father with a suitable formal title rather than just plain "mister".
Easter of 2012 saw Barbara and I in Christchurch to celebrate my 80th with my four lovely daughters. I was aware of a bit of skulduggery going on but was unable to elicit any details from anyone.
Saturday dawned hot, really hot. Casual clothing, yes, but I decided to wear a tie. We were picked up at 9.30am and headed north via Kaiapoi, Woodend, Amberley and Waipara with other vehicles joining the motorcade. Drivers were communicating with each other about location, timing and other information and a 10-minute stop was made to enable final details to be confirmed at the destination. Leaving the highway north of Greta Valley, we stopped in a secluded wooded area.
I was given a glengarry to wear and promptly blindfolded! Ah, the bagpipes! The blindfold was removed and I was to follow the young piper into a picnic area where family, friends and guests from the States clapped as I entered. I was led on to the veranda of "Tipapa" a magnificent old homestead, built on one of New Zealand’s grandest sheep stations, established in 1888.
After a moment, the "Queen" appeared; small in stature, a bejeweled crown on her head, wearing a colourful sash and clutching a purse. She welcomed all to this "truly unique and auspicious occasion to honour the youngest son of the late Thos. Ritchie Esquire". The "Queen" then proceeded to expound in glowing terms the many virtues of the gentleman before her; his Scottish heritage; his talents and skills; his family life; community and church involvement; business achievements; his loyalty and his chivalry.
As I knelt before the "Queen", she picked up a sword and dubbing my right then my left shoulder said: "It gives me great pleasure to bestow upon you the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Knight of the Thistle. Neme me impune lacessit. From this day forth you shall be known as Sir Herbert".
A cheer went up as the "Queen" said: "Arise, Sir Herbert".
The bagpipes began again and led the haggis in, where it was appropriately addressed. I was presented with the family coat of arms, my own personalised crest along with the bottle of whisky specially blended and bottled for the occasion.
A knight to remember? Yes, of course: I am!
A day to remember? Absolutely perfect. The best.
- Herb Ritchie is retired and lives in Mosgiel.
Neme me impune lacessit translates to "no-one provokes me with impunity".
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