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. According to the 2011 Census, Halstead has a permanent population of 11906. The town initially grew on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is believed to have actually stemmed from the Old English 'hald' (haven, shelter, healthy) and 'stede' (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of haven'. The historic core of Halstead can be viewed on a walk up the market hill. There are a lot 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 place for strolling owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were developed in 1900 and is noted for its floral exhibitions. Townsford Mill that spans the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with countless fascinating pieces ranging from clothing to household items. A historical society consistently holds month-to-month conferences, and a town museum attached to the town council offices holds some historic artefacts and numerous items confined 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 exact same shop. 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 the home of a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all your home enhancements, make sure to find trusted specialists in Halstead to make certain of quality.