 Desmond succeeded Liza Lehmann, Cécile Chaminade, Fanny Davies, Rosa Newmarch and Myra Hess as president of the Society of Women Musicians in the UK, and also president of the Incorporated Society of Musicians.In 1920, Desmond married Sir Thomas Neame (23 December 1885 - 28 August 1973), son of Frederick and Kathleen Neame of Faversham, Kent; Sir Thomas was a brother of Sir Philip Neame.They had three sons – Basil, Geoffrey and Christopher.