Vicky McClure's Heartfelt Tribute to Our Dementia Choir with Tram Dedication
In a moving ceremony at the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) depot, BAFTA award-winning actress Vicky McClure has paid a special tribute to Our Dementia Choir by dedicating her named tram to the charity. The newly unveiled 'Vicky McClure's Our Dementia Choir' tram was revealed during a surprise event, bringing together choir members, NET staff, and McClure herself. This gesture highlights the choir's profound influence on the Nottingham community and beyond, as it continues to champion the power of music for those living with dementia.
A Tram Named in Honour of Local Stars
The tram was originally named after Vicky McClure in 2015 as part of NET's initiative to celebrate local cultural figures, recognising her acclaimed roles in television series such as This Is England and Line of Duty. Now, she has chosen to redirect this honour to Our Dementia Choir, a cause deeply personal to her. McClure founded the choir in 2018 through a BBC1 documentary, inspired by her experiences caring for her grandmother who had dementia. Since then, the choir has grown significantly, with McClure remaining an active participant and advocate.
Raising Awareness and Celebrating Community Impact
By dedicating the tram, McClure aims to amplify awareness of the choir's positive effects on individuals and families affected by dementia. She expressed her gratitude, stating, "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." She added, "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."
Choir's Achievements and National Recognition
Our Dementia Choir has garnered widespread attention, appearing on platforms such as The National Television Awards, BBC1's Big Night of Musicals, and ITV's This Morning, as well as performing at events like the Splendour festival. Caroline Killeavy, chief executive of the choir, shared her delight at the surprise, saying, "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." She emphasised the charity's mission to raise awareness about dementia and the transformative role of music.
NET's Commitment to Celebrating Nottingham's Spirit
Rebecca Horne, business engagement manager at NET, highlighted the significance of the tram naming tradition, noting that it honours local figures who have positively impacted the city. She said, "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." NET's named trams also include tributes to other Nottingham icons, such as footballer Mary Earps, designer Paul Smith, and ice skaters Torvill and Dean.
The Power of Music in Dementia Care
The choir continues to demonstrate how music can bring happiness, connection, and comfort to those with dementia, serving as a beacon of community and resilience. This tram dedication not only celebrates past and present members but also encourages new participation, as the choir is currently welcoming new members. It stands as a visible reminder of the choir's enduring legacy and the collective effort to support dementia awareness across Nottingham and the wider region.
