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. According to the 2011 Census, Halstead has a permanent population of 11906. The town initially formed on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is claimed 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 historical core of Halstead can be spotted on a walk up the market hill. There are many 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 space for strolling owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were created in 1900 and is noted for its floral arrangements. Townsford Mill that traverses the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with thousands of fascinating pieces ranging from clothing to home products. A historical society consistently holds regular monthly meetings, and a town museum connected to the town council offices contains some historic artefacts and numerous items limited to local interest. The Empire Theatre in Butler Road hosts periodic bingo nights. Halstead is also home to 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 also the home of a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all of your home makeovers, make certain to find respected contractors in Halstead to make certain of quality.