Thu, 12 Nov 2009 9:44p.m.
By Ali Ikram
A Mt Maunganui company plans to provide male companionship to busy single ladies, but it's a case of no sex, please - we're chaperones at Knights to Rememba.
'Robert' is in his late 40s, runs his own business, and is looking forward to beginning his career as a chaperone.
"I'm old enough to remember when doors were opened for women and men gave up their seats on buses for ladies, and I think it's a loss to our culture that it's not more prevalent," he says.
Robert is with Betty McCullough's agency Knights to Rememba, that will provide chaperones to female executives going to corporate events.
"You go to a function and there's lots of couples, and it's hard to break into circles at times - it's nice to have someone at your side," she says.
Chaperones will cost $180 for three hours, and $50 per hour after that.
While the agency wants to conjure up visions of old fashion gallantry, there will be no hanky panky.
"There's no sexual contact at all, and there's to be no development of a relationship - these are mutually exclusive to the job."
Ms McCullough has 50 knights on her books nationwide, all who have passed a police check. They range in ages from 20 all the way up to a 72-year-old in Hawke's Bay.
Many of the knights have signed up to meet people after having no luck in New Zealand's booze-and-bonk singles scene.
"Once you join a relationship your career as a knight is over," says Ms McCullough. "No more charging off on your steed, you'd have to settle down, but I guess some damsels are worth it."
The Knights to Rememba are now poised to offer New Zealand women their platonic companionship throughout the North Island and Christchurch.
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