Actress Penelope Keith is well-loved in the UK both for her comedy and theatre roles. She has won two BAFTAs. She is a keen gardener and keeps ex-battery farm hens. She has served as High Sheriff of Surrey 2002-2003 and is President of the south west Surrey branch of the conservation organisation, the National Trust. Penelope is a Patron of Compassion in World Farming. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the Arts and to Charity in 2014.