Today, 16th June, marks sixteen years since I took over the management of BLUF from Leon, our founder. That's a long time - two complete revamps of the website, apps, countless new features, and a massive growth in membership numbers. We've incorporated as a company, registered a trademark, opened a web store, started regular events in loads more cities, and introduced a membership card system that ensures the club is properly funded.

2025 also marks thirty five years - half a lifetime! - since I first dipped my toes into running an online queer community, called uk-motss. 

All this is, I feel, a legacy of which I can be proud.

However, as many of you will know, the last couple of years have been particularly taxing, with a cancer diagnosis in 2024 followed this year by the need to have a pacemaker implanted. So, while I still have plenty of ideas for BLUF, I've concluded that it's more important for me to take time for myself, and hand over the reins.

Unlike Leon in 2009, I'm not looking for a single person to replace me. The task of running the club is now far broader than it was before, so we need a team of people to take over, and time to plan a smooth transition.

I anticipate that a team will probably have around four members, to cover a broad range of skills. Later this summer I'll be seeking expressions of interest from people who have put together a team. Those who are successful will be invited to submit a more detailed proposal around November (when the club turns 28), with a view to selecting the best team early in the new year, and planning a transition during 2026.

If you are interested in taking on the challenge of running one of the world's biggest and most well known leather clubs, you can find the job spec here, together with a detailed appendix.

Nigel.