Halstead
Halstead is a town and civil parish found in Braintree District of Essex in England. The town is close to Colchester and Sudbury, in the Colne Valley. In accordance with the 2011 Census, Halstead has a permanent population of 11906. The town originally developed on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is said to have stemmed from the Old English 'hald' (haven, shelter, healthy) and 'stede' (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of safety'. The historical core of Halstead can be viewed on a walk up the market hill. There are a lot 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 walking owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were formed in 1900 and is noted for its botanic exhibitions. Townsford Mill that traverses the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with countless intriguing pieces ranging from clothes to household items. A historical society consistently holds month-to-month meetings, and a town museum connected to the town council offices contains some historic artefacts and different items limited to regional interest. The Empire Theatre in Butler Road hosts occasional bingo nights. Halstead is also the home of Hume's Bakery, which opened in 1960, and continues to trade at the same store. Halstead's best 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 the home of a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all your home refurbishments, be sure to find trustworthy contractors in Halstead to make certain of quality.