A year ago I responded to a post by Josh. A friend of his had two sporrans for sale and needed help in the worst way. I purchased one by Paypal and was told it would be sent in two-plus weeks, as soon as a move was completed. Three weeks later I attempted to contact the seller and my e-mail bounced. I called Josh and he provided me with a 'phone number. I spoke with the seller and he apologised: his move was still underway and he would get it off to me in a week or two; he thanked me profusely for helping him in his financial bind.

Four weeks on I had heard nothing and called him again. The number was not in service. I was now beyond the deadline for a Paypal complaint. I called Josh and he told me he was very disappointed in his friend and offered to make me a sporran, gratis, exactly as the other.

I thanked him, accepted his offer and ordered two pair of hose to soften the blow. The hose were to be sent by the end of the year. In February Josh said that they had just been received and he would get them off in the post -- with my new sporran -- the following day. I then read that he had lost all his leatherworking tools and stock in a break-in. I called to tell him how sorry I was and he said it was even worse because he had lost the hide from which he was going to make my sporran! (?) I asked if that was the one he had sent the week before. He said that he had not sent it because he just wasn't happy with how it had turned out.

But he posted to the forum that he had sent it and even attached a pic.

PMs to Josh and e-mails to SHO continue unanswered.

A few weeks ago, however, he posted to the forum that he had made a sporran for me from an old briefcase, was very proud of the design and workmanship and was waiting for my review.

Suffice it to say the sporran has not arrived.

Rex