Oh dear! Now it appears I am about to put a spanner in the works, Alex. The 13th March was looking good until a couple of hours ago when a letter was delivered informing me that I have been given an appointment with my Consultant Specialist at Brighton Hospital that morning. This is an important follow-up to the consultation I had last week, and I must keep it. So a trip to London that day is now out of the question.

As for the 27th March: It is my first duty day of the Season for The National Trust at Petworth House and, again, I really should be there - first days back after the winter are always important as we stewards are given one-off briefings on all the changes that have taken place in the house during the winter clean-and-restoration exercises.

I am SO sorry, Alex. After a few weeks I will be on duty only alternate Tuesdays, rather than every one. If Paul is likely to be free in April, perhaps we can arrange something for that month, although my diary is already getting pretty full.

By the way, I am NOT now jetting off to New York for their Tartan Week celebrations, which takes place in early April. The logistics and expense proved too much, but I've already been invited to go next year! Unfortunately, I cannot make the Edinburgh Kilt Walk on 1st April either.

Best laid plans, and all that! Let's hope we can organise something else in London soon - I still believe that weekends are best for most guys, but let's keep in touch on this.