Halstead
Halstead is a town and civil parish found in Braintree District of Essex in England. The town is in close proximity 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 claimed to have derived from the Old English 'hald' (refuge, 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 goes through the town from east to west, and just outside the town is Broaks Wood, a popular space for taking a walk owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were created in 1900 and is noted for its botanic exhibitions. Townsford Mill that spans the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with countless interesting pieces ranging from clothes to home products. A historical society consistently holds regular monthly conferences, and a town museum connected to the town council offices includes some historic artefacts and several objects limited to local interest. The Empire Theatre in Butler Road hosts occasional bingo nights. Halstead is also home to Hume's Bakery, which opened in 1960, and continues to trade at the very same store. 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 home to a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all of your home refurbishments, be sure to find trustworthy professionals in Halstead to make certain of quality.
