Halstead
Halstead is a town and civil parish located 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 formed on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is said to have come from the Old English 'hald' (haven, shelter, healthy) and 'stede' (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of safety'. The historic core of Halstead can be viewed on a walk up the market hill. There are numerous 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 spot for strolling owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were developed in 1900 and is noted for its floral arrangements. Townsford Mill that stretches over the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with thousands of interesting pieces ranging from clothing to household objects. A historical society regularly holds month-to-month meetings, and a town museum connected to the town council offices holds some historic artefacts and several items limited to local 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 exact same shop. 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 the home of a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all of your home makeovers, make sure to identify trusted specialists in Halstead to make certain of quality.