It was the opening of the institute — the Carnival at Rowley Way.

I had never opened a Western institution before, and when we were offered to rent a hall, get catering, and welcome our future respectable donors with good champagne, I thought, “That’s not quite it…”

No one kept track of who came; everyone who wanted to join did so because there were no entrance doors, and everyone, absolutely everyone, was invited.

We didn’t succeed in raising funds or offering fine champagne to the right people. But some unknown friends bought lots of cheap wine at the nearby Tesco, and we drank it outside on the community hall grounds at Rowley Way.

There were hundreds of people, and all speeches were made outdoors: from the renowned economist @ProfSteveKeen or @schneiderhome to Rowley Way neighbor, from @revbillytalen songs to @XRLondon Rebellion’s artwork.

Everything was just as it should be — carnival-like, chaotic, and magical. David would have definitely loved it. That means it was perfect!