Halstead
Halstead is a town and civil parish located in Braintree District of Essex in England. The town is bordering Colchester and Sudbury, in the Colne Valley. According to the 2011 Census, Halstead has a permanent population of 11906. The town initially grew on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is claimed to have actually derived from the Old English 'hald' (haven, shelter, healthy) and 'stede' (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of shelter'. The historical core of Halstead can be spotted on a walk up the market hill. There are an abundance of social, cultural and leisure opportunities in Halstead. A river walk goes through the town from east to west, and just outside the town is Broaks Wood, a popular area for strolling owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were formed in 1900 and is noted for its botanic exhibits. Townsford Mill that stretches over the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with thousands of intriguing pieces ranging from clothing to home objects. A historical society routinely holds month-to-month meetings, and a town museum connected to the town council offices holds some historical artefacts and a range of items confined to regional interest. The Empire Theatre in Butler Road hosts infrequent bingo nights. Halstead is also the home of Hume's Bakery, which opened in 1960, and continues to trade at the same shop. Halstead's premier football club is Halstead Town F.C. The club plays in the 10th tier of the English football league system, in the Eastern Counties Football League Division One. The town is additionally home to a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all of your home renovations, make certain to identify respected specialists in Halstead to make certain of quality.