All at Reading Force are so sad to hear of the death of our distinguished patron, Dame Penelope Keith

Dame Penelope became a patron of Reading Force, the charity that connects military families through shared-reading, four years ago. We approached her because of her lifelong support for the military, and were gratified by her immediate interest in what we were doing. I had met her through the Surrey Military Partnership, and as a  military spouse myself was so heartened by her commitment to, and respect for, the military community.

She was always an active patron of our charity, eager to support us and regularly sending messages of encouragement. She regularly asked what more she could do. This culminated on 11^th November 2025 when along with Janet Ellis MBE she gave an evening of readings about war. Some were drawn from her own long experience, others chosen from a selection curated by Professor Jane Potter of Oxford Brookes University. The event took place in the Prince Consort’s Library in Aldershot, during which she read with sensitivity, charm, occasionally humour – and above all pathos. None of those present will ever forget the experience.

But what the audience heard that night was the tip of the iceberg in terms of the effort and care she put into the evening: detailed concentration on what might be read, and thoughtful preparation for what was delivered.

We send sincere condolences to Rodney and her children, and great thanks for her involvement in what we do – from which we take inspiration and courage. Many thanks once more Dame Penelope. We were so proud you were our patron.

Rev’d Professor Alison Baverstock, Founder and Director of Reading Force

Pictures:

Dame Penelope, Alison and Professor Jane

Close up of her and Janet Ellis MBE

Dame Penelope, Janet Ellis and Alison in the Prince Consort’s Library

And the extract from the visitors’ book