Giving talks around the region is one of the pleasures of my working life - but it can also be a pain in the neck.

I've just driven to Consett and back (80 miles round trip) to speak to the Derwentside Local History Society.

I had the feeling something was wrong when I walked into the room at Demi Rugby Club - and there wasn't a soul in sight.

"Er, we've got the history society down for tomorrow night," said the girl behind the bar.

I checked the booking form and it definitely says June 8 2009.

It's not the first time it's happened - I once drove all the way to Pickering in North Yorkshire to speak at a ladies' luncheon club, only to discover I was a year early!