I should have had some (80+) masters students to see today.

Fortunately on Monday the academic involved phoned to ask if I was "all set for tomorrow?" (i.e. Tuesday).

"Tuesday?" I said, recognizing his voice. "I've got you down as a two hour slot on Wednesday. In pen. For some time now."

Well, whoever fouled up and although I wouldn't put it past me I'm normally inordinately careful over such arrangements and always verbally or via email echo back the booking to be doubly sure, at least his phone call enabled the error to be spotted in time. Or I'd have spent a puzzled half hour wondering where they all were this afternoon and they'd have been waiting for me yesterday. Close one.