Special Edition: Barking & Dagenham Giving Back to the Boathouse

In this special edition of BD Giving's Nine Miles East Podcast, BD Giving host Elvire Matu returns to The Boathouse Studio to speak with our CEO and Artistic Director, Carole Pluckrose.

As one of the early participants in Barking and Dagenham Giving’s GROW Fund — the first community-led investment fund in England — Carole shares how the fund’s unrestricted grant, development programme, and £75,000 social investment are transforming The Boathouse.

Through candid reflections, Carole discusses the challenges and rewards of becoming “investment ready,” highlighting the ripple effects of this unique funding initiative.

This episode showcases how resident-led funding can drive social and commercial impact, illustrating The Boathouse as a thriving community space where arts, hospitality, and entrepreneurial spirit flourishes.

Enjoy listening!

Listen to the full episode on all streaming platforms: Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify Podcasts