In Memoriam – Dame Penelope Keith DBE DL – 29th June 2026

I was saddened to hear the news that Dame Penelope Keith DBE DL had died of cancer at her home in Surrey, aged 86.

Dame Penelope was High Sheriff of Surrey in 2002-2003 – only the third woman to have been appointed since this ancient office was created more than 1,000 years ago. At her installation ceremony as High Sheriff, Dame Penelope said that she was honoured to have been chosen for this office and that she saw it as an opportunity to make a contribution to the Surrey community – helping to “focus attention on some of the marvellous work that is being done in the county, particularly by volunteers.”

Dame Penelope has certainly done that and she has been deeply committed to various Surrey charities throughout her life.  In 1998, Dame Penelope became a Patron for the Surrey-based charity Transform Housing and Support supporting homeless and vulnerable individuals.  A passionate advocate for the countryside and British heritage, Dame Penelope was President of the Southwest Surrey chapter of the National Trust, served as Deputy President of the Surrey Agricultural Society and supported rural preservation, bringing her advocacy to the screen in documentaries like ⁠”Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages”.  For several years, Dame Penelope was also a Trustee of the aviation and motor Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, helping preserve Surrey’s rich engineering heritage.

We are all extremely grateful and we shall miss her.