SHE is a part of the history of a world-famous Southampton cruise liner.

Heather Beagley was one of hundreds who was on board the Queen Mary when it first sailed out of Southampton harbour.

The 14-year-old had taken a round trip to New York with her parents for £70-odd when she embarked upon the luxury ship in May, 1936.

A Cunard liner, the Queen Mary was considered the height of sophistication at the time and was in service for the next 30-plus years.

Now 93, Heather’s memories are being recorded for the voyage’s 80th anniversary celebrations next year.

She remembered what it was like to be on board the luxury ship.

“It was an absolutely amazing time,” she said. “If you wanted to go on the maiden voyage you had to put your name down years in advance.

“When we set off that day lots of friends came down to see us off just in the hope of touching the ship.

“It was 80,000 tons. I think the present one is twice as big as that but it was like a huge block of flats. It was enormous. It was real luxury.”

Daily Echo:

Heather on board the Queen Mary

On board with her on that maiden crossing were silver screen icon Olivia De Havilland and Scottish actor Jack Buchanan among others.

But it would be the only time Heather would sail on board the liner.

After ferrying passengers across the Atlantic, she was converted into a troop ship during the Second World War before becoming a liner again.

In 1967 she was retired and is now moored in Long Beach, California, where she is a floating museum.

US documentary maker Dan McCue said the Queen Mary museum is “very much committed to preserving and enhancing the legacy” of the liner.

Dan and his colleagues at the museum hope to find other people who were part of the ship, or who have memorabilia from its history.

“It’s our understanding that Heather’s the only surviving passenger from the maiden voyage.

“This is the world’s most cherished ocean liner. It’s the only ship of its kind in the world. Now we’re seeking to capture that history.”

If you have any memories of the Queen Mary, or any memorabilia, email j.felix@freemanmccue.com.