Prince Albert Chronicles – November December 2023
The pride and joy of Prince Albert, The Showroom Theatre, had its grand reopening in November with a massive jazzy bang thanks to the Kyle Shepherd Trio who regreased the stage at this cultural resurrection. Thank you, Prince Albert Community Trust, for breathing creativity and excitement back into this beautiful space, we look forward to many wonderful live performances and regular movie evenings.
Have a look at this great Youtube video by Travel Insights showcasing the Top 10 Most Charming Small Towns in South Africa. Coincidence that Prince Albert is at number four, we think not!
What we adore about November in Prince Albert is apricot season. These little orbs of orangy pink sweetness love the Karoo climate and show off their beauty and deliciousness to the max. Vrisgewaagd Farm was a hive of activity getting their harvest processed, packed, and ready for export.
December saw another wonderful solo exhibition opening at the Prince Albert Gallery. In case you missed it, The Nature of Patterning by Lisl Barry, is still on display until 14 January 2024.
November brough intrepid cyclists Emma and Oscar to their former home town Prince Albert, for a breather. The siblings’ 16 000km cycling mission started in Berlin and finished a few weeks ago in CT in their heroic efforts to raise €27 000 for Prince Albert Skills School and The Human League.
Although their massive feat is complete, the public is still able to donate via their Trycycle Africa website.
Besides apricots and cyclists, November also ushered in another successful Prince Albert Open Studios arty weekend. If you missed it, don’t despair, the next one is coming up 14 – 17 June 2024, we look forward to seeing you there.
There is a new shop in town that is quickly becoming a bolt hole for those that have forgotten their partner’s special day. Artisanal Lifestyle are purveyors of bespoke clothing, perfumes, footwear, accessories, and gifts. The luxury products are sourced from around the world by owner and curator Nicole Panaretos, an interior designer by trade with an eye for detail and all things beautiful.
Celebrating 13 years of Handmade-Karoo-Handgemaak happiness.
This community project was started by Ellen Joubert in 2010, armed with a few scraps of wool, yarn, fabrics and massive amounts of vision. The first two ladies joined the project crocheting hearts which were sewn on to tea towels.
Today the project has an emporium of beautiful products ranging from baby and children’s items through to homeware, all lovingly crafted by Prince Albert ladies who thrive on using their hands to create a livelihood for themselves and their families.
The Klaarstroom Hotel lies nestled in picturesque and historical village of Klaarstroom in the Prince Albert District. Guests can truly immerse themselves in the Karoo splendour of the Swartberg Mountains, the unique fynbos, and the old-world charm of this hidden gem.
The structure is still largely as it was originally built in 1874, with minor changes made when it was operated as a general dealership and private residence, mid-century. The new owners have taken care to restore it to its former glory as much as possible, complete with vintage and antique furniture.
Befitting of the hotel’s heritage, all nine rooms boast vintage and antique furniture, as well as luxurious linen and amenities to ensure guests’ utmost comfort. All the rooms have coffee and tea stations, as well as hairdryers and bathroom amenities.
To end our November/December Prince Albert Chronicles, a few images showcasing the beauty of our little Karoo dorp over the last few months.
