Nottingham-born BAFTA award-winning actress Vicky McClure, has honoured Our Dementia Choir by dedicating her named Nottingham Express Transit(NET) tram to the cause.
The newly named ‘Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir’ tram was unveiled during a special surprise ceremony at the NET depot, where members from Our Dementia Choir, which was NET’s 2025 charity of the year, were joined by Vicky McClure and members from the NET team.
The tram was originally named in the popular actress’ honour in 2015, as part of an initiative by NET to recognise local stars and cultural figures. It served to celebrate her many successes which have seen her star in TV hits such as This Is England and BBC’s Line of Duty.
Vicky formed Our Dementia Choir as part of a BBC1documentary in 2018, inspired by her experiences helping to care for her late grandma who lived with dementia. Since then, the choir has gone from strength to strength, and Vicky continues to play an active role in the choir. By using her tram to honour and give back to the cause which remains close to her heart, she hopes to help raise awareness of the powerful impact the choir has on so many Nottingham people’s lives.
Vicky McClure said: “I’m so grateful to NET for choosing Our Dementia Choir as their charity of the year ‘25, and beyond grateful they supported me in renaming my tram in their honour.
“For past, present and future members of the choir, the wonderful carers, volunteers and supporters, I’m immensely proud of what you’ve all achieved over the last seven years, promoting the power of music and inspiring people to live well with dementia in Nottingham and worldwide.
“I hope everyone that takes a ride or sees the tram pass by recognises what a huge impact Our Dementia Choir has made representing Nottingham and everyone that faces dementia. It’s a community like no other.”
Recognising its ability to bring happiness, connection and comfort to those affected by dementia, the choir continues to demonstrate the power of music across the country. Since its launch, the choir has appeared on The National Television Awards, BBC1’s Big Night of Musicals, This Morning and performed at the popular Splendour festival, to name a few.
Caroline Killeavy, chief executive of Our Dementia Choir, said: “Our choir members had no idea they would be getting a tram named in their honour today, so it was wonderful to see their surprise when the tram was revealed. Each one of our members is truly special, so it’s heart warming to be able to honour them in such a way.
“As a charity, raising awareness of dementia and how music can truly transform the lives of those living with the dementia, has always been so important to us. So we’re incredibly grateful to Vicky for this kind gesture and for her ongoing support. As well as giving choir members this fantastic experience, the new Our Dementia Choir tram will serve as a positive reminder of the choir’s impact across the city and beyond.”
The new ‘Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir’ tram marks one of a number of NET trams that have been named in honour of a range of Nottingham stars and notable historic figures, including English goalkeeper Mary Earps, designer Paul Smith and ice skating legends Torvill and Dean.
Rebecca Horne, business engagement manager at NET, said: “Over the years our trams have become a really special way for us to pay homage to the local figures who have made a positive impact on our city. To see Vicky, who unveiled her tram back in 2015, surprise Our Dementia Choir by dedicating her tram to them, was incredibly heart warming and shows the true generosity of spirit and wonderful nature Vicky has become known for. We’re always really passionate about celebrating Nottingham and the strength of the city’s community spirit, and this is a brilliant example of that.
“Since its launch, Our Dementia Choir has made a real impact on the lives of its members, as well as their families and friends, showcasing the true transformative power of music and serving as a true example of togetherness not just here in the city, but also nationwide too. We certainly believe that’s something worth celebrating, which is why we’re so pleased to be able to play a part in recognising their impact – starting from their home in Nottingham.”
To find out more about Our Dementia Choir, which is currently welcoming new members, visit https://www.ourdementiachoir.com/
For more information about NET, visit https://www.thetram.net/, or to see more information about our named trams, visit https://www.thetram.net/tram-names