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 claimed to have derived from the Old English 'hald' (sanctuary, shelter, healthy) and 'stede' (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of sanctuary'. 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 space for walking owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were set up in 1900 and is noted for its floral shows. Townsford Mill that stretches over the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with thousands of intriguing pieces ranging from clothing to household objects. A historical society consistently holds regular monthly meetings, and a town museum connected to the town council offices includes some historical artefacts and a range of items limited to local interest. The Empire Theatre in Butler Road hosts infrequent bingo nights. Halstead is also home to Hume's Bakery, which opened in 1960, and continues to trade at the 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 home to a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all of your home refurbishments, make sure to find dependable contractors in Halstead to make certain of quality.