June is shaping up to be a jam-packed month for me. The Wandsworth Heritage Festival is already underway and runs until 9th June. I’ve managed to get to one event so far, the launch of new public artworks by the railway arches that adjoin the new Prince of Wales Drive development.

The weather did not play ball, but it was interesting to hear the artist David Appleyard talk about his research into the area’s early aviation industry, with the Short Brothers manufacturing both hot air balloons and early aeroplanes. His five artworks reference the balloon flights that ascended from the adjacent Gas Works field, where the balloons were inflated. The overall title of Appleyard’s work is 788 Battersea, which was the Short Brothers’ telephone number. I like how these artworks almost blend into their surroundings, but there’s enough to catch a curious eye, and hopefully send people on a journey to find out more. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area, rain or shine.

The other Heritage Festival event I will definitely be attending is the unveiling of a plaque to Charlotte Despard on Wednesday 5th June at 5pm in Embassy Gardens, near the sky pool. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it! Charlotte Despard is one of my all-time great heroines. A wealthy Victorian widow, in 1891 she moved to the Ponton Estate in Nine Elms, at that time a notorious slum. She bought a house and opened it to the local community, providing services such as a clinic and free meals. Like the rest of the Ponton Estate, Charlotte Despard’s house was demolished in the 1970s. The U.S. Embassy now stands on the site where she lived and worked to improve local people’s lives. She was also a committed suffragette. It’s thanks to the indefatigable Jeanne Rathbone that the Embassy Gardens developer, Ballymore, is now installing a plaque to honour Charlotte Despard and to ensure today’s local community know about her legacy. I’m thrilled that, as part of the plaque unveiling ceremony, I’ll be reading my poem about Charlotte Despard from London Undercurrents. The plaque unveiling is free and open to all – if you’re free, do come along, it promises to be a grand celebration.

Also taking place throughout June is the London Festival of Architecture. This year’s theme is Reimagine, and there are dozens, if not hundreds, of events happening across London, including walks, talks, installations, workshops and exhibitions. You can check out the full programme here. My own contribution to London Festival of Architecture is a walk exploring Nine Elms’ open spaces, which will open your eyes to the area’s rich history, and help you reimagine how the area’s new green spaces will develop. Join me on Saturday 8th June starting 11 a.m. or on Thursday 27th June starting 6 p.m. You can find more details and book here.

And the Fringe? I’m not getting a new haircut, I’m taking part in this year’s Wandsworth Arts Fringe. History Speak and I will be delivering four sessions of our Home Is Where the Art Is walk and workshop over two days, giving you the chance to explore the hidden gem 575 Wandsworth Road, home of polymath Khadambi Asalache, now cared for by the National Trust. On the walk from Battersea Power Station tube to the house, we’ll share stories of the local area’s history and characters. Following a tour of the house, we’ll lead you in a creative workshop using paper cutting and found text to stimulate your imagination. Find out more and book here.