Halstead
Halstead is a town and civil parish located in Braintree District of Essex in England. The town is in close proximity to Colchester and Sudbury, in the Colne Valley. In accordance with the 2011 Census, Halstead has a permanent population of 11906. The town initially developed on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is said to have actually originated 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 noted on a walk up the market hill. There are lots of social, cultural and leisure opportunities in Halstead. A river walk runs through the town from east to west, and just outside the town is Broaks Wood, a popular space for strolling owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were developed in 1900 and is noted for its flower displays. Townsford Mill that traverses the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with thousands of intriguing pieces ranging from clothes to home objects. A historical society consistently holds month-to-month meetings, and a town museum connected to the town council offices contains some historical artefacts and various objects 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 largest 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 your home refurbishments, make certain to identify dependable professionals in Halstead to make certain of quality.