A foundation to mark the legacy of Alton’s first town mayor has been established 50 years on from the milestone in a touching moment for his grandsons.

The Graham Stratford Foundation has been launched as a lasting legacy to his greatest loves: the Alton hinterland and Hereford cattle farming.

Mr Stratford, who was 89 when he died, is arguably one of the town’s greatest figures of the 20th century having played a huge role on the field and in the council chamber.

Graham captained Alton Cricket Club for six years and was a lifetime vice-president of Alton RFC who also played rugby for Hampshire, Rosslyn Park and Winchester in a life of sporting excellence.

He was heavily involved in the Alton community, being a former chairman of the old Alton Urban District Council and the owner and operator of Martin & Stratford estate agents and chartered surveyors, which he inherited from his father in his 20s.

Mr Stratford died in 2019 with his family holding a private memorial service earlier this year to mark the fifth anniversary of his passing.

There was a lightbulb moment at the gathering as his grandchildren Brice D Stratford and Hesper ED Stratford decided at the April service to come together to celebrate Graham’s legacy and further his life’s work.

And sure enough, the pair announced the formation of the Graham Stratford Foundation at a launch event in Alton on what would have been his 94th birthday.

“The Foundation will seek to continue two strands of Granddad’s work, and his two great loves,” said Hesper.

“Alton, the surrounding areas of stunning Hampshire countryside, and, of course, the farming of Hereford cattle.”

Graham was an international breeder of pedigree Hereford cattle and oversaw a herd of 120 for many years at Annetts Farm in Lower Farringdon.

He later became secretary to the South of England Hereford Breeders’ Association before being elected the region’s council representative for the Hereford Cattle Society in 1979.

His upward trajectory continued and he was elected president in 1993 and chairman the following year, holding the position until he retired in 1999.

His passion took him across the world as he started the Hereford Beef scheme with Waitrose and judged cattle both locally and at royal shows in places afar as Denmark, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and The Netherlands.

Closer to home, he also formed an education link for Anstey Junior School which ran for 11 years and provided farm trips to children to link with their work.

“Grandad was a defining figure throughout my life, and throughout the lives of so many others,” added Brice, an author and historian who also chairs the Hampshire Association of Local Councils.

“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.

Brice added: “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.”