Grove Garden in Haywards Heath says ‘merci beaucoup’ to Francisco Lounge and French Café Chat Group after they raise more than £1,100

Grove Garden announced that Francisco Lounge, its ‘wonderful customers’ and its French Café Chat group joined forces to raise more than £1,100 to support the award-winning community space.

The garden was adopted by Francisco Lounge in South Road as its Lounge Aid Charity of the Year for June 2026 and was supported by a month-long programme of fundraising events.

The garden said these community events brought hundreds of people together.

Nigel Ryan, chair of Grove Garden, said: “A huge thank you goes to Francisco Lounge and everyone who supported Lounge Aid. It has been a wonderful example of community at its very best. Of course, the money raised is incredibly important and will make a real difference, but what has been equally special is the joy these wonderful events created. New friendships have blossomed, people have laughed and danced together, memories have been made and our community has become even stronger. That is what is so very special.”

Grove Garden said the partnership began thanks to the French Café Chat Group, which meets every Friday morning at Francisco Lounge. When the group was asked to nominate a Sussex charity in return for receiving complimentary cafetières of coffee from Francisco Lounge, members chose Grove Garden and shared the garden’s story with the Lounge team.

Throughout June, Francisco Lounge and Grove Garden hosted events, including: a popular quiz night; bingo with Grove Garden’s Peter Rood; an open mic night featuring Mike Oliver and some ’70s, ’80s and ’90s hits; music bingo with the Lounge DJ; and the popular Grove Garden plant shop, where visitors could get gardening tips from head gardener Chris Croft. The Lounge’s Golden Hour Cocktail promotion also meant Grove Garden received £1 from every cocktail sold.

Grove Garden also said the French Café Chat Group has continued its support by donating its weekly collections to the space.

Nigel Ryan said the garden is ‘incredibly grateful’ to the French Café Chat Group. He said: “Their decision to support Grove Garden started this wonderful partnership with Francisco Lounge, and their generosity and kindness, week after week, means so much to everyone at the Garden. Merci beaucoup!”

Helena Sweeney, from the French Café Chat Group, said: “We are so grateful to Francisco Lounge for supporting French Cafe Chat. We unanimously chose Grove Garden as our charity because it genuinely transforms the lives of so many local older people – including many of us. It represents everything that makes Haywards Heath special: friendship, kindness, shared skills and a real sense of community. We also know the garden is created and cared for entirely by volunteers, some now in their 80s and 90s, whose commitment is truly inspiring.”

Hannah Coxshaw, holding general manager at Francisco Lounge, said: “Community is at the heart of everything we do at Francisco Lounge, and we’ve loved working alongside Grove Garden this year. It’s been a real pleasure seeing so many people come together, and we’re looking forward to continuing our special relationship. Expect plenty more Grove Garden fun at Francisco Lounge in the months ahead.”

Grove Garden explained that the funds raised will help it develop its facilities so people can enjoy the garden throughout the year. Its planned improvements include a timber gazebo, improved accessible pathways, solar panels and a new access ramp with handrails for the garden’s community cabin.

Grove Garden is community garden where people can make friends, learn new skills, enjoy nature and share memorable experiences. It offers gardening, social activities and volunteering opportunities to tackle loneliness and isolation in a welcoming space. Visit www.grovegarden.uk to find out more and see what events are taking place.