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Our goals...
By transforming the Doggart into a modern and inspiring home for sport we can;
o Continue to ignite passion for sport with a more practical and effective space.
o Nurture lifelong wellbeing for all our pupils in a serene location with adequate facilities.
o Accommodate a programme for accelerating boys’ and girls’ cricketing talent.
o Re-instate the Doggart’s reputation as a destination hub for fixtures at a College, local, and national level.
o Bring our community together with a suitable space for OS, parents, staff and friends to enjoy.
o Make memories!
The Doggart Pavilion was gifted to the College by Graham Doggart and his family in 1933, in memory of his late father, Arthur. Nestled in an increasingly rare green space in our busy market town, its design celebrates modernity with a simple yet eye-catching 1930s aesthetic.
For many pupils and Old Stortfordians, the Doggart is more than a pavilion; it is the beating heart of health, happiness, and wellbeing during every child’s time at the College. It looks out onto ‘Witherden Field’, named after the legendary father-son duo Ted and Nigel Witherden, whose combined 68 years of dedication and service as Head Groundsmen have left a lasting impact on generations of OS. From highly regarded grounds staff and coaches to topflight players in rugby, hockey, and cricket, so many of us cherish memories of this famed building, just as Graham intended.
In these challenging economic times for independent schools, the College remains committed to maintaining affordable fees for parents, keeping our offering as inclusive as possible. This inevitably puts downward pressure on our funds for improving facilities and we are more reliant on fundraising to bring this project to life. By contributing, you will help preserve and enhance a cherished building that will continue to make a significant impact. We envision the Doggart as a centre for participation, supporting pupils’ health and wellbeing at the College and beyond.
1. Optimising and improving the space:
o A new wing of additional space with a double storey extension.
o Transformation of the home and away changing facilities with the creation of flexible additional changing space to accommodate increased pupil numbers and a sharp uptake in participation in girls’ cricket.
o Reconfiguration and renovation of the toilets and shower area.
o Modernisation of visitor toilets and referee changing facilities.
o Ensuring accessibility for all members of the community.
o Upgrading the first-floor facilities with a multi-use entertaining and conference space, including kitchen and meeting areas.
o Improved storage capacity.
o Improved and extended balcony area for parents, OS, and visitors
o An improved terrace area
o Improved security and access provision
2. Enhancing community engagement:
o A redeveloped Doggart will better support existing partnerships with Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), local sports clubs, and our community, fostering greater participation and social cohesion.
3. Sustainability and environmental impact:
We are committed to minimising the impact on our local environment, keeping our neighbours and local wildlife firmly in mind. Our focus is on:
o Incorporating eco-friendly designs and materials to reduce environmental footprint and operational costs.
o Integrating sustainable and energy-efficient building practices, including solar panels.
4. Commercial opportunities to generate income to ease pressure on fees:
o Opportunities for small-scale commercial activity to generate income.
5. Community impact:
o Strengthen our ability to host regional and national sporting events.
o Offer a small but versatile space for community events, meetings, and exhibitions.
o Foster a sense of pride and belonging among pupils, OS, parents, and our visiting local community.
All donors to the Doggart Pavilion appeal will be listed in our donor magazine The Wysteria, commemorated on a specially commissioned donor board in the new Doggart, and invited to a special opening event.
All our donors are vitally important to the College, and we wholeheartedly appreciate your show of support and solidarity in our work. Giving, even on a small scale, encourages more of our community to get involved, and participation supports grant applications to Trusts and Foundations.
All donors to the Doggart Pavilion appeal will be listed in our donor magazine The Wysteria, commemorated on a specially commissioned donor board in the new Doggart (unless anonymity is requested), and invited to a special opening event.
Thank you for your consideration and for supporting a century in the making; it means a lot!
