Halstead
Halstead is a town and civil parish found in Braintree District of Essex in England. The town is near Colchester and Sudbury, in the Colne Valley. According to the 2011 Census, Halstead has a permanent population of 11906. The town originally grew on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is said 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 refuge'. The historic core of Halstead can be observed 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 area for walking owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were created in 1900 and is noted for its flower exhibitions. Townsford Mill that stretches over the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with countless fascinating pieces ranging from clothes to home objects. A historical society regularly holds monthly meetings, and a town museum connected to the town council offices contains some historical artefacts and numerous objects confined to local interest. The Empire Theatre in Butler Road hosts occasional 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 premier 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 home to a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all your home makeovers, make sure to identify reputable experts in Halstead to make certain of quality.