Applause rang out through the streets of Milford as hundreds of residents gathered to give Dame Penelope Keith one final standing ovation.

Neighbours, friends, veterans and community leaders lined the route of the funeral procession on Tuesday, July 28, applauding as her hearse passed through the Surrey village she had called home for decades.

While Dame Penelope was celebrated nationally for her stage and television career, those who gathered in Milford remembered her first and foremost as a neighbour, volunteer and friend.

Dame Penelope Keith at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, where she served as patron and remained a passionate supporter for many years.
Dame Penelope Keith at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, where she served as patron and remained a passionate supporter for many years. (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre)

Barbara, Pat and Val, who were among those paying their respects, remembered her as "a wonderful lady".

"There were no airs and graces," they said. "She was one of us."

Among those lining the route were members of the Royal British Legion Women's Section, where Dame Penelope served as patron of the Surrey County branch.

Jean said she was a tireless supporter who regularly attended events across the county, including leading the annual Poppy Appeal launch.

"She came to so many of our events and was always there to support us," she said. "She was such a lovely person."

Standard bearers from across Surrey gathered in tribute, including Surrey County Standard Bearer Ashley Dickinson and Women's Section County Standard Bearer Anne Cane.

Major Rob Marshall MBE, Surrey County chairman of the Royal British Legion, described Dame Penelope as "a lovely lady, a charming lady and a great ambassador for the Women's Section".

"She will be greatly missed," he said.

A heartfelt farewell: Residents lined the streets of Milford to bid Dame Penelope Keith a final goodbye.
A heartfelt farewell: Residents lined the streets of Milford to bid Dame Penelope Keith a final goodbye. (Georgia Hase)

Waverley Mayor Cllr David Munro said Dame Penelope's contribution to Surrey life reached far beyond her acting career.

"Penelope Keith is nationally known for her work on stage and screen, but what is less well known is what a huge asset she was to the local community," he said. "She worked tirelessly as a force for good and was much loved locally. I am proud to represent Waverley Borough Council today to pay our respects."

Maxine Gale, chairman of Witley and Milford Parish Council and a Waverley borough councillor, said Dame Penelope had devoted herself to village life for more than 20 years.

"She has been a fantastic lady for the village, supporting good causes for more than two decades," she said. "She helped light the Christmas tree outside the village hall, was patron of the village day centre when it first got off the ground and touched the lives of almost everyone here. She will be greatly missed."

Tributes have also been paid by organisations she championed throughout her life.

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford described Dame Penelope as "the most incredible, energetic, supportive ambassador". A trustee before becoming the theatre's patron in 2006, she helped reopen the venue following the Covid pandemic in 2020 and made her final appearance there during its 60th anniversary celebrations last September.

Milford farm shop Secretts remembered Dame Penelope as a loyal customer who shopped there almost every day, always stopping to chat with staff before collecting food scraps for her chickens. The business said she had become "part of the rhythm of Secretts, woven into its everyday life".