How long does it take to get a bail date?

I turned up to answer bail at the police station, only to be told that the officer dealing with my case was not in the station, that he would re-bail me when he arrives on duty and send the date in in the post to my home address, I was told that there was no need to wait and I could go home. 2 days later my solicitor called to say that she had been in contact with the police station to chase up my bail date and there was nothing on the police system. The officer in charge had not issued me a bail date as he said he would, Does this mean I am not on bail? and Are the police allowed to let me out the station with out a bail date? I am baffled.