Farmer’s passion for Hereford breed honoured through new Foundation

Graham D Stratford, who passed away in 2019 and would have turned 94 this July, had a herd of 120 Hereford cattle for many years at Annetts Farm in Lower Farringdon. 

His grandchildren, Brice and Hesper Stratford, launched the Foundation as a lasting legacy, and to continue the life’s work of their grandfather.

It will promote the Hereford breed as well as the town of Alton and surrounding areas.

An advocate for Herefords

Graham was born in Alton on 24th July 1930, and became the first town mayor in 1974, having repeatedly served as chairman of the local urban council prior to that. 

He was secretary of the South of England Hereford Breeders’ Association for many years and in 1979 was elected the region’s council representative for the Hereford Cattle Society. 

In 1993 he was elected president and in 1994 he became chairman of council, a position he held until he retired in 1999. 

During that time he was heavily involved in the creation of the Hereford Beef Scheme with Waitrose, and judged cattle both locally and at royal shows around the world, including in New Zealand, Denmark, Zimbabwe, and the Netherlands. 

He formed an educational link with Anstey Junior School which ran for 11 years, with the children visiting on a regular basis to learn about farming and the countryside, linking it in with their school work.

For much of his career he owned and operated Martin & Stratford estate agents and chartered surveyors, which he inherited from his father at just 22 years old. 

Educated at Churcher’s College, he played rugby for Hampshire County, Rosslyn Park and Winchester, as well as captaining Alton Cricket Club for six years and playing with them for many more.

Life’s work and legacy

He passed away on 1st April 2019, and close family members gathered earlier this year for a private memorial service to mark the fifth anniversary of his death.

It was at this memorial that his grandchildren, Brice and Hesper Stratford, agreed to work together to further Graham’s legacy and life’s work.

Less than three months later, on what would have been his 94th birthday (24th July 2024), they announced the formation of the Foundation.

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

Speaking at the launch, Brice Stratford commented: “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.”

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