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 originally developed on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is believed to have come from the Old English 'hald' (refuge, shelter, healthy) and 'stede' (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of shelter'. The historical core of Halstead can be noted on a walk up the market hill. There are a number 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 developed in 1900 and is noted for its flower displays. Townsford Mill that stretches over the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with thousands of fascinating pieces ranging from clothes to home items. A historical society consistently holds month-to-month conferences, and a town museum connected to the town council offices holds some historical artefacts and multiple things limited to regional 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 exact same shop. 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 additionally home to a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all your home renovations, be sure to find credible specialists in Halstead to make certain of quality.
