Cornwall Bus Driver Meets the Queen: A Literacy Champion’s Journey

In a remarkable recognition of their tireless work, two volunteers from Cornwall were honoured by Her Majesty The Queen at a special reception at Clarence House, London.

This event celebrated the 30th anniversary of the National Literacy Trust, a charity dedicated to improving literacy across the UK. Among the honoured volunteers was Jess Jervis, a 31-year-old bus driver from Camborne, who was one of six volunteers chosen to meet Her Majesty.

Empowering Communities Through Literacy

Jess first encountered the National Literacy Trust in 2022 when she and her son Zale participated in the charity’s early language and communication development programme. Inspired by the positive impact this had on Zale, Jess became a Literacy Champion, starting with the placement of Little Libraries on the buses she drives. Her cheerful recommendations and the presence of these libraries have turned bus rides into a cherished storytelling time for passengers.

Jess’s contributions didn’t stop there. She collaborated with experts from the National Literacy Trust’s Early Years Team to create a resource that encourages families to use their daily bus trips as opportunities to chat and tell stories. She also participated in Camborne’s 40th Trevithick Day, driving a bus filled with songs and stories for families to enjoy.

Reflecting on her experience meeting The Queen, Jess said, “It was a privilege to meet The Queen, I felt very proud and appreciated. This work is so important because literacy gives people escapism and helps them find their way in the world.”

Photo: Jess Jervis in the Library at Clarence House

Hannah Nurton: Cornwall’s First Literacy Champion

Photo: L-R Nina Hearty from the National Literacy Trust with Jess Jervis and Hannah Nurton

Also present at the reception was Hannah Nurton, a 34-year-old former primary school teacher from Brea and Cornwall’s first Literacy Champion. Understanding firsthand how crucial literacy is for children, Hannah created the first Little Library in Tesco Extra in Pool, leading to the establishment of 30 more in cafes and community spaces across Camborne and Redruth.

Hannah has also designed book trails to ensure children have access to books in various public places. She shared her thoughts on the event, stating, “It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many people who are passionate about improving children’s futures through the power of books and literacy.”

A National Celebration of Literacy

Photo: Her Majesty The Queen and Jonathan Douglas

Jonathan Douglas CBE, CEO of the National Literacy Trust, highlighted the significance of the event: “Yesterday we marked 30 years of The National Literacy Trust by celebrating our dedicated Literacy Champions with our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen. Their commitment has helped us inspire and empower over five million children.”

The reception at Clarence House was attended by more than 60 Literacy Champions from across England and Wales, representing a diverse group of volunteers including childminders, teachers, midwives, and librarians. Currently, there are over 1,000 Literacy Champions volunteering across the UK, with 31 active in Cornwall alone.

The Impact of the National Literacy Trust

For over three decades, the National Literacy Trust has supported schools, families, and communities both locally and nationally to raise literacy levels. Working directly in 20 areas across the UK, including Cornwall, the charity targets communities where poverty and low literacy significantly impact lives. Their ongoing efforts aim to empower these communities to change their life stories through literacy.

About the National Literacy Trust

The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that empowers children, young people, and adults with the literacy skills they need to succeed. For more than 30 years, the charity has supported schools, families, and communities, helping people to change their stories through improved literacy skills.

About HM The Queen as Patron of the National Literacy Trust

Her Majesty Queen Camilla, formerly HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, became Patron of the National Literacy Trust in November 2010. Her Majesty’s longstanding interest in literacy and reading continues to support the charity’s mission to ensure children and adults across the UK have the literacy skills needed for a happier, healthier, and more prosperous life.