Not many people receive a British Citizen Award as a retirement gift, but Farnham musician Margery Wakefield is a noteworthy exception.

The maestro was recently presented with the award for Services for the Community (BCAc) at her final rehearsal with the Hampshire and Surrey Hills Men’s Choir.

Margery, who has just retired after 40 years of being an accompanist to the group, was also presented with gifts and a rendition of What would I do without my music? in recognition of her devoted service to the choir at her moving send-off

Margery – one of just 26 people to have received the BCA this year – joined what was then Rushmoor Odd Fellows Male Voice Choir in 1984.

She has rehearsed with the choir every week for 40 weeks a year, supporting around eight concerts per year and accompanying four different musical directors.

Margery has also helped them to raise more than £400,000 for many projects including local hospices, Make a Wish Foundation, The Hope Hub, a homeless charity and the Parkinsons Disease Society.

Now 87, Margery’s volunteering continues as she has turned her attention to ‘The Kindred Spirits’, a choir formed from women recovering from breast cancer.

A representative of the choir said: “Margery’s dedication to improving the choir’s performance has been diligent and she has engaged all choir members with humour and ensured a sense of teamwork runs through the charity.

“She has been instrumental in entertaining the public, improving the musicality of the choir members, and was an ever-present volunteer at every rehearsal and performance.”

The BCA, now in its tenth year, celebrates individuals who make positive impacts on their communities across the UK.

The awards are presented in nine categories: community, industry, arts, education, healthcare, business, volunteering and charitable giving, international achievement and recreation and sports.