The latest Team photo Lyme Park -April 2006 (still not all of us!)
The Powderkegs began in 2001 from
a small group of "groupies" of the Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris Men, they dance
Cotswold in a men only side. We saw Border Dancing at weekends away and it
looked great fun - we wanted to have a go. We live near the Peak District and
could not find a local side to join so we decided to start our own. We went for
a workshop with the Flagcrackers who taught us 2 dances to get us going - Upton
stick and Hey up Joe. We headed back for the hills with 12 willing (well most of
them were) dancers and musicians.
We take our name from local
Gunpowder Mills. "The Gunpowder factory (which may date back to the 16th century) now lies
under the waters of Fernilee Reservoir. A serious explosion in 1909 killed
three men, but the factory was still very active during the First World War
(1914-1918).
" This
probably a good thing as pyrotechnics has always had an appeal!
(source
http://www.peakdistrict-education.gov.uk)

We dance mainly traditional Border
Morris style which is noisy, colourful and explosive! We have a mixed side (men
and women dancing together-shocking isn't it) We paint our faces, wear rag
jackets and jingle bells if you want more info see - Get your kit on!
Click for a map
Whaley Bridge
click to see a full size image