It is with great sadness that we must report the passing of our founder and president, Mrs Mary Weightman M.B.E. on February 24th 2005.

Mrs Weightman had been in hospital for some days with a chest infection, but had only the previous week attended the P.A.W.S. clinic to meet friends and colleagues.  Her state of health in the previous two years or so had been a source of frustration to her, as she had always been as active as possible, but the reins were passed on to Sheila when Mary realised that the demands of running P.A.W.S. herself were becoming too much.

Never one to be put off for long by difficulties, Mary was often heard to say "Shake your feathers" as a way of reminding herself not to be despondent.  Even major surgery over the years did nothing to dent her enthusiasm for animal welfare and she ran the Clinic until her 93rd year.

Having started her 'career' as an RSPCA volunteer, Mary's first clinics were held in her own house.  When it was suggested that a more permanent arrangement would be better, she set about raising money to build the little clinic which still stands in Millbank Road, Bedlington, on a site provided by the council.

After the RSPCA left and the building burnt down, Mary characteristically set about rebuilding and reorganising and the People's Animal Welfare Service was born.

Mary received the MBE in 1998 for her services to animal welfare, much deserved recognition.

Needless to say, the work that Mary started will continue, thanks to a team of keen volunteers and to the many supporters round the region.
     Mary Weightman M.B.E. (1906-2005), here displaying her 'Heart of Gold' award