Getting to Know Bristol with Selena Lanham-Cook, Editor of Mumsnet Bristol
Posted on: 22 Jul 2015Mumsnet is now a household name. Established back in 2000 its aim is to give parents the opportunity to discuss and comment on local events, attractions and businesses. There are numerous advice pages on a wide range of topics surrounding parenthood and it is also home to upwards of 5,000 bloggers.
We sat down with Selena Lanham-Cook, editor of Mumsnet Bristol, to find out a little more about what it means to be custodian of such an important online community along with some helpful tips and ideas for Bristol parents…
Mumsnet launched back in 2000 but can you tell us a bit more about how long the Bristol group has been going and its main aims and objectives?
The Bristol branch of Mumsnet Local launched at the end of 2012. The idea is to connect local businesses with local families and to provide parents with all of the info they need to make the most out of what this great city has to offer. We aim to make exploring local life that bit easier.
Are you from Bristol?
Indeed! I grew up here, left to explore the world a little but came back to start a family as there's nowhere else I'd rather raise kids.
How’s it going?
It's great, it's really taking off now and we have a strong following, increasing month on month. Lots of people are wanting to get involved which is fantastic. It is only myself running the site in my free time so it is a challenge keeping on top of it, but I'm hoping this will change one day!
How can people get involved?
People can become Local Ambassadors, which means they arrange meet ups with other parents in their area in exchange for discounts and freebies.
Our new blog has just launched so we would welcome any guest bloggers, we know there are many out there! Businesses can add listings free of charge, offer Mumsnetters exclusive discounts and we have some great advertising opportunities.
What’s the best way for parents/carers to connect with Mumsnet Bristol?
Anyone can browse and add to our directory or write a review for any listing. We have a newsletter people can sign up to and active social media pages. We have a great 'talk' section where you can seek advice or chat to other local parents.
Any recommended child/family friendly restaurants in Bristol?
For babies The Bubbahub, for toddlers the St Werburghs City Farm. For the awesome kids mezze Biblos on the Hill, for the stunning views Salt & Malt.
What's your favourite place to take kids in Bristol?
Ooo that's tough as there are so many! We love Leigh Woods and Blaise Castle. The Museum and the Zoo are also firm favourites, but currently it's all about Shaun spotting.
Where do you see Mumsnet Bristol in 5 years time?
As well as developing the website and making it more interactive the plan is to have a bigger real life presence, with more meet ups and events where people can connect with other parents who share similar interests. I'd like to be working on it full time by then and with a small team so that we can really get involved in the community, fundraising, campaigning, working with schools and colleges etc.
There's so much going on in Bristol and we want to be able to help give Bristol parents a voice.
Any advice for community groups looking for more volunteers or funding?
They would be more than welcome to post on our website, where there is a section in talk called 'Can you help'. We will also promote these posts across our social media pages.
If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
Oooh, can I say two? I would have to bid farewell to the RPZs, sorry George! Then there are the buses… They are in serious need of some attention. We are so behind other cities with public transport and it lets us down. The buses are unreliable and the systems don't make sense to me. Something like an Oyster card would be amazing.
Visit the Mumsnet Bristol website for lots more information on the topics discussed here and a whole lot more.