Marion Rae's outstanding service to the organisation was marked with a party at the Pirates Rugby Club with many past and present members and musical directors attending to thank her for her musicianship and loyalty over such a long time.
Speech
Mrs Rae was presented with a Waterford Crystal clock and also interviewed for BBC Radio Cornwall.
In her thank you speech she recalled how she started playing for the choir under Mr Whatley at the old band room in Queen's Street, Penzance in November 1959.
Since then she has accompanied the choir at no less than 2,500 rehearsals and 825 concerts and travelled with them to Brittany several times.
Other memorable events were in cathedrals at Chichester, Truro, Brecon and St Asaph's, while there were landmark performances at places like the Royal Albert Hall and Westminster Abbey, where she assisted John Hosken in playing the mighty organ.
Her great record of service was also recognised last year with an invitation to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party and the award of The Gorsedd music shield.
Marion thanked her family for their support over half a century and members of the choir, particularly their wives. She also made a generous donation to the purchase of a new keyboard, a fitting legacy to the future of the choir she has done so much to keep alive.
Current musical director, Neil Shepherd considered her to be one of the very best accompanists he had heard in his career.
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