Elizabeth Brunner, who died in 2003, was known in Oxfordshire for her work with the Women's Institute, particularly in helping to set up Denman College at Marcham. She also created the garden at Grey’s Court, near Henley, now owned by the National Trust.

Her son Hugo has published her memoir, Child of the Theatre (Perpetua, £6), describing her childhood in an Edwardian theatrical family. Sir Hugo has added a short account of her later life, following her debut as an actress on the London stage.