ONE hundred years ago Wallace Hartley, the Titanic bandmaster from East Lancashire, wrote of how much he was enjoying his voyage on the Titanic.

When he said ‘I shall probably arrive home on Sunday’, little did he know the dreadful fate that awaited him and 1,516 others.

The final letter of a man whose role is now known throughout the world gives a fascinating glimpse into his character.

Interest in the letter, and all things Titanic, could not be more intense.

Next month sees the 100th anniversary of the ship’s sinking. There is a new ITV series and the famous James Cameron film is being re-released at cinemas.

Locally, there are countless events to remember Hartley, who was from Colne.

Hartley and his band continued to play even when the Titanic was going down and his actions are rightly remembered for being among the noblest acts of heroism at sea as he tried to keep people calm.

The letter is being sold at a big Titanic auction in America and five-figure bids are likely, Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it could return to Lancashire, where he is remembered so fondly?