St Albans Associaton for the Disabled (StAAD) organises a weekly Day Centre for up to 25 physically disabled people (stroke, Parkinson's, MS, arthritis, partially-sighted) which is held in the hall at St Mary's Church, Sherwood Avenue, Marshalswick AL4 9QA. It is staffed entirely by volunteers - carers, cooks, drivers. StAAD has its own minibus equipped to carry wheelchairs and provides a car service for those who need it. Art classes, staffed by Oaklands College, are available in the mornings for those interested, an excellent lunch cooked by our own volunteers on the premises is served, and there is a shopping service. There is entertainment in the afternoon followed by tea before departure for home. The Day Centre is open from 10.00am to 3.00pm. There is usually a short waiting list. In March 2003 a new minibus, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, was delivered. The vehicle is used by other local groups and is available for hire. It carries a maximum of five wheelchairs but when carrying this number ordinary seating is necessarily limited. Most of the seating is removable. The hire charge is 12 pounds per hire plus 60p a mile. It is also available for private hire, e.g. for disabled people needing transport to a holiday venue. Additionally, when funds permit, StAAD ssists local disabled people with grants for those needing help with, for example, purchasing special equipment. Please contact for further information.