I often think that a touchstone of the decline of British Society is that one year the BBC stopped doing a live outside broadcast of the Maundy Thursday coin distribution service every year.

This used to be done wherever the service took place, then they stopped doing it.

William

https://copilot.microsoft.com/

[The prompt to the AI system]

Please write a poem in the style of Thomas Tusser explaining why in the United Kingdom that the calendar year starts on 1 January but the financial year starts on 6 April.

[The response of the AI system]

Certainly! Here's a poem inspired by Thomas Tusser's style, blending practical wisdom with a touch of rhyme:

"Why Dates Divide Their Course"

January calls, the New Year’s birth, To mark fresh starts upon the earth. A calendar shared by all mankind, From icy peaks to summers kind.

Yet April’s breeze the ledger steers, For taxes, sums, and fiscal years. ’Twas Julian clocks, their time awry, That shifted dates beneath the sky.

The year adjusted, eleven days, The sun restored to springtime’s gaze. Thus 6 April claimed its reign, For counting coins and fiscal gain.

The fields may rest, the books must toil, To reap the fruits of honest soil. Though split in twain by time’s old plow, Both guide the land, then and now.

This poetic explanation touches upon the historic calendar reforms that led to the UK’s choice of 6 April for the financial year. What do you think of this rhyme?

What historical events influenced these date choices?How do these dates affect businesses and individuals?Do other count

[My response]

It is very good, thank you.

[The AI system replied]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, William! It was a pleasure crafting a verse with a touch of historical storytelling. If there’s anything else you'd like to explore—be it artistic, poetic, or otherwise—I’m here and ready. Where shall we venture next?