A resident of the South Hams who was recently awarded a British Empire Medal was treated to a surprise party last weekend.

Rosemary Cole, from Kingsbridge, was awarded a BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to the performing arts.

The surprise party was held at Rattery Village Hall on Saturday, September 1, with 95 people showing up from all corners of the organisations in which Rosemary is connected.

Guests included the Rev Jackie Taylor, representing St Edmund’s Church, where Rosemary is the church organist; members from the Stanborough Chorus

and Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir, both of which Rosemary founded and has been director of music for many years; and members of the Loveny Voice Choir, which Rosemary directed for five years.

Rosemary’s family also joined in the celebrations.

The South Hams Folk Dance Group, which Rosemary is the accompanist of, provided entertainment and led the guests in some country dancing. Everyone enjoyed a music book celebration cake, which was designed and made by Pat Jane and iced by Nelly Konradi.

When she was awarded the medal, Rosemary said: “I feel very honoured and humbled to be awarded the BEM. Music has always been my passion and it’s been a real privilege to work with others to make music to bring pleasure to audiences across Devon, Cornwall and further afield, and to make money for charity.

“Setting up and running a successful choir is a team effort and so I share this award with everyone who has worked so hard alongside me to bring music to others.”