Roald Dahl Museum

Have you been to the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire? It's half an hour north of London by train.

It's very good. Lots to look at and do. My daughter went round filling in a story ideas book that she loved. I'd recommend it. Lunch in Cafe Twit. Nice shop. Brilliant activities.

I was there to do some events, talking to readers. The museum staff looked after me very nicely. Thanks to them.

In each of the three sessions there was a Leeds United supporting mum.

Following the football online

I'm in a hotel in the middle of nowhere with no radio reception and no decent TV channels. Leeds are at Bristol Rovers. I'm following it online. The BBC describe the game every time there's a shot, foul, corner, etc. It's good. But you know each time it refreshes something bad might bave happened.

Leeds are winning 1-0.

I did an event at Tales on Moon Lane bookshop today in London. It was good. Five Chelsea fans in the audience, but they were quite friendly.

I start Football Detective 4 in 2 days. I can't wait.

Golden Ticket

I am talking about my books at the Roald Dahl museum next week. I can't wait.

I never read his books when I was young - I never read any books.

But now I can't get enough. I am reading Boy and Going Solo now. They are amazing. His life story. He was an amazing man. And a great story teller.

It is an honour to be talking at his museum.

The lovely people at his museum sent my daughter a Golden Ticket so she can go round the museum with my wife while I'm working. She was really pleased.

David Beckham Academy

I went to the David Beckham Academy yesterday. With Ghyllgrove Junior School of Basildon.

It was really good. Some schools can visit for free. They get a day of games, activities and fun.

There was a bit of a weirdness about the place, dozens of giant images of Beckham, making it feel a bit like the church of Beckham.

But, overall, I was impressed with the coaches who were superb with the kids. One of the coaches said they were all interviewed by DB himself. That surprised me.

I learned a lot. I had a great idea for a book while I was there. But I’m keeping it in my head so it develops a bit before I say more.

Thanks to Ghyllgrove Junior School for another great two days. I go there six to ten days a year because I like the teachers and kids so much. And because they keep asking me back.

Cheltenham

I've had a great week in Huddersfield, Manchester, Surrey, Colchester and Gloucester. It's been Children's Book Week. And quite tiring.

Tomorrow I'm at Cheltenham Literature Festival. I'm very excited. One, because it's such a famous festival, so it's an honour to be here. And, two, because it's the first Reads United event with Helena Pielichaty, author of Girls FC. We've a few dates set up already and Cheltenham is our debut.

I'm in a posh hotel here in Cheltenham. I've already seen Michael Portillo (ex-politician, who could have been Tory leader) - at Paddington - and Hilary Mantel, newly crowned Booker winner in the hotel.

I went for a run this morning. And tonight. My new hobby. I am trying to be fitter. My calves ache like mad. I've overdone it. I'll probably have to be carried down to breakfast.

Looking forward to seeing Dan, Ben and Dan tomorrow.