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 earlier this week, 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 BBC1 documentary 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.
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 andsupporters, 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.”
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 heartwarming to be able to honour them in such a way.”
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: “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.
To find out more about Our Dementia Choir, which is currently welcoming new members, visit https://www.ourdementiachoir.com/
