Halstead
Halstead is a town and civil parish located in Braintree District of Essex in England. The town is near Colchester and Sudbury, in the Colne Valley. According to the 2011 Census, Halstead has a permanent population of 11906. The town originally formed on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is said to have actually come from the Old English 'hald' (haven, shelter, healthy) and 'stede' (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of refuge'. The historical core of Halstead can be seen on a walk up the market hill. There are lots of social, cultural and leisure options in Halstead. A river walk runs through the town from east to west, and just outside the town is Broaks Wood, a popular spot for strolling owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were set up in 1900 and is noted for its botanic arrangements. Townsford Mill that traverses the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with thousands of interesting pieces ranging from clothes to household products. A historical society regularly holds monthly conferences, and a town museum connected to the town council offices contains some historic artefacts and various things confined to local interest. The Empire Theatre in Butler Road hosts occasional bingo nights. Halstead is also home to Hume's Bakery, which opened in 1960, and continues to trade at the exact 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 enhancements, make sure to find reliable experts in Halstead to make certain of quality.