The Tony Ayland Memorial Fund

Councillor Tony Ayland was instrumental in the setting up of twinning links between Gloucester and St Ann. In May 1987, as Mayor of Gloucester, he signed the twinning charter with his counterpart, Mr Renford Gentles, Mayor of St Ann. He became the first Chair of the St Ann Society in 1992.

Following his death in 1993, the Society discussed establishing a Trust Fund in his memory. The Fund was formally launched in 1999 with the aim of strengthening and maintaining links between the two communities and encouraging educational, cultural and commercial visits between Council leaders, young people and teachers as well as engaging in activities that furthered the aims and objectives of the Society.

An annual cricket match has been held since 1997 to raise funds for the Memorial Trust Fund. The match which is played between the Gloucester St Ann cricket team and the Continental Cricket Club is held alternately in Gloucester and Birmingham.