Regal Lady now a tribute to Dunkirk heroes

Heath Samples owns Scarborough’s Regal Lady and was behind its transformation into a Dunkirk Museum.

He fell in love with the Dunkirk little ship because of its history and, after selling his software business, found himself in the financial position to buy and renovate it.

She is now permanently moored in Scarborough Harbour and first opened to delighted visitors as the Regal Lady Dunkirk Experience in July last year.

Heath has conducted a great deal of research into the boat’s history and has bought several artefacts from Dunkirk to be displayed alongside her original features.

The museum also includes a cinema room, a bar and areas to sit inside and out.

Her 12-man passenger boat – Spirit of Dunkirk – runs trips into the bay.

The Regal Lady reopened once coronavirus restrictions allowed on April 12 and can be visited Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 9pm.

Heath hopes it will be able to open seven days a week, between 11am and 10pm, from July.

Spirit of Dunkirk is sailing at weekends from 1pm until 5pm, offering 15-minute trips around the bay from the lighthouse pier.

Heath is pictured on the Regal Lady, and with wife Lucy in its cafe area.