New Book Presented

Phyllis Jones Presents her New Book to Cornish Chartered Accountants

A copy of Phyllis Jones’ new book A Life That I Did Not Know (Kenwyn Publishers, 2008) was recently presented to Winter Rule Chartered Accountants Managing Partner Alan Brownscombe in a grand ceremony and lunch in Truro. The book traces the life of a Cornish family over two centuries, offering a fascinating insight into the life of Phyllis’ father William J. Rule, a founding partner of what has evolved to become Winter Rule, Cornwall’s largest firm of chartered accountants.

Academi Member Phyllis, aged 85, has written several books based on her experiences of growing up in Cornwall and her life in Wales, where she still lives. She runs a smallholding in Carmarthenshire and has also published short stories and poetry in several literary magazines. Phyllis is no stranger to the Cornish literary scene, having been awarded a Scroll commendation at last year’s Holyer an Gof awards for her book The Crystal Moment (Kenwyn Publishers, 2007). To read more about Phyllis, please click here to visit her Academi Writers of Wales entry.  

A photograph of Phyllis’ grandmother provided inspiration for A Life That I Did Not Know (Kenwyn Publishers, 2008). Phyllis considers the harsh life her grandparents endured, both of whom were from tin mining backgrounds. With such a connection to mining, a question bothers Phyllis throughout; why hadn’t she realised how much she would find in common with the coal mining industry in Wales which she had became so heavily involved with during her life? The story is based on the fragments Phyllis knew or realised might have happened through phrases or photographs heard or seen. A Life That I Did Not Know (Kenwyn Publishers, 2008) is currently under consideration for Wales Book of the Year 2009.

After writing the book, Phyllis discovered that Winter Rule Chartered Accountants (having developed from W.J. Rule & Son) was still thriving. She contacted the company to ask if they were interested in her book. Alan Brownscombe was very happy to hold a ceremony to thank Phyllis for her complimentary copy and mark the occasion formally, stating:

"…W.J. Rule & Son was a predecessor to Winter Rule and we are delighted that Phyllis has presented us with a copy of her latest book. It offers a fascinating insight into William’s life in Truro, the family’s links to tin mining and Methodism, and Phyllis’ own experiences living and working in the coal mining communities of Wales…"

All of Phyllis’ books including A Life That I Did Not Know (Kenwyn Publishers, 2008) can be purchased from her website at www.phyllisjones.co.uk.