Graham Stratford Foundation to promote Hereford cattle farming

Graham D Stratford, Alton-born and bred, was well-known as the town's first mayor in 1974 after numerous terms as local urban council chairman.

He took ownership of Martin & Stratford estate agents and chartered surveyors at just 22 years old from his father. A significant part of his life was spent playing sports; rugby for Hampshire County, Rosslyn Park and Winchester, as well as captaining Alton Cricket Club for six years.

Mr Stratford passed away on April 1, 2019, and the fifth anniversary of his death was privately commemorated by close family members earlier this year.

Graham Stratford with his cattle (Image: Anne Purkiss)

It was during this momentous occasion that his grandchildren, Brice D Stratford and Hesper ED Stratford, decided to honour their grandfather's work.

On July 24, 2024, which would have been his 94th birthday, the foundation was announced at a launch event in Alton.

The cattle-loving former mayor had a 120-cow herd at Annetts Farm in Lower Farringdon for several years.

He devotedly served as secretary for the South of England Hereford Breeders’ Association and took up various roles with the Hereford Cattle Society, being elected region's council representative in 1979 and then president in 1993.

He took charge as a council chairman the following year, a role he continued until retirement in 1999.

Stratford was instrumental in initiating the Hereford Beef scheme with Waitrose and judged cattle in local and royal shows worldwide, including New Zealand, Denmark, Zimbabwe, and the Netherlands.

Stratford was instrumental in initiating the Hereford Beef scheme (Image: Anne Purkiss)

He fostered a fruitful 11-year educational partnership with Anstey Junior School, bridging students' classroom learning with real-life farming and countryside experiences.

Hesper Stratford announced: "The Foundation will seek to continue these two strands of Granddad’s work, and the two great loves of his life: Alton and the surrounding areas of stunning Hampshire countryside, and, of course, the farming of Hereford cattle."

Speaking at the launch, Brice Stratford said: "Grandad was a defining figure throughout my life, and throughout the lives of so many others. Few people today combine such old fashioned grace, selflessness and nobility with the grit and determination to see things through and make things happen on the ground. My sister and I are honoured to keep that torch lit, and to maintain his legacy for at least another lifetime, and hopefully for many, many more."