Let us first deal with the controversy of whether it should be “calling birds” or “colly birds.” One predates the other by about 100 years but apparently no-one really knows or cares about the difference so, for my purposes, and because it fits better with my post, let’s concentrate on “calling birds.”

My family has now divided itself between three countries: we’re in Hong Kong for the foreseeable; Eliza is at university in Scotland and James has taken himself off to Canada. There are times when John is travelling in Asia – he’s off to Paris next month – and I visit HOME in Beckenham as often as is feasible.

Imagine how difficult it is to keep in touch with my young adults. I shan’t dwell on this because I’m sure it’s obvious how I really feel about it. Well-meaning people try and comfort me by telling me everything I already know about modern communications technology but, as with everything, It’s A Bit More Complicated Than That.

Across 9,000 miles and 13 time zones, finding a time that suits us all for a Skype call can be almost impossible even when we have no other plans, let alone when we have the theatre or rehearsals or the gym or a dog walk or anything else in our normal life to accommodate. When James wakes up it’s time for us to go to bed, and goodness only knows what Eliza is up to, whether she’s scheduled a photo shoot in a cafe or preparing for a party.

And then the Skype call itself is inevitably stilted and fraught with possibilities for misunderstandings or the wrong tone of voice or talking over each other. I have no idea whatsoever how people are supposed to have any sort of tutorial over Skype, let alone singing lessons that were once an aim for me.

I know people have successful long-distance relationships but I’m equally sure that they don’t depend on Skyping (other video calling applications are available) to express themselves. You just can’t and it’s no substitute for a hug or a kiss in the right place.

And then I panic and become fraught with worry that my carefully-cultivated family will fracture and cease communicating just like so many other families I’ve seen and, indeed my own and it makes me feel bleak for the future.

This photo from October is fairly self-explanatory. Taken on the raised walkway above Mongkok MTR station, it reflects the protests of the night before and those that were to come. There are obvious parallels with the situation in the UK, and at the time of this photo the UK general election had just been announced.

We already have the best possible deal with the EU. Leaving will cost jobs and lives. It is not in the least satisfying to be a Cassandra. I told them so. They refused to listen and now everyone is about to be pushed off the cliff through ignorance, exceptionalism and xenophobia.

I can’t forgive the people who have knowingly wrought havoc on my home country for absolutely no good reason and as yet unquantifiable benefits against the advice of everyone who knew what they were talking about. No.