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 developed on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is said to have derived from the Old English 'hald' (haven, shelter, healthy) and 'stede' (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of sanctuary'. The historic core of Halstead can be observed on a walk up the market hill. There are numerous 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 place for walking owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were developed in 1900 and is noted for its flower 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 home products. A historical society routinely holds monthly meetings, and a town museum connected to the town council offices includes some historic artefacts and a range of items limited to regional interest. The Empire Theatre in Butler Road hosts periodic bingo nights. Halstead is also the home of Hume's Bakery, which opened in 1960, and continues to trade at the very 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 home to a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all of your home renovations, make sure to identify reliable contractors in Halstead to make certain of quality.