PUPILS in Maesglas have been taking part in a project to learn more about Newport-born Perce Blackborow, a stowaway on Ernest Shackleton's trip to Antarctica.
Blackborow, who grew up in the Pill and Maesglas areas, stowed away on Shackleton's ship Endurance in 1914.
He was discovered on the third day and managed to persuade Shackleton to keep him on-board as a steward and proved an asset to the expedition.
He was later awarded the Bronze Polar Medal.
Newport-based housing association, Newport City Homes wanted school children in the area to learn about the adventure so commissioned Tim Godwin from Thrift Theatre to work with a small class of boys in Maesglas Primary School.
The project culminated in writing and performing a song about Blackborow.
Teaching assistant Vicki Pettican said that the boys “have really blossomed, their confidence has shot sky high" after working with Tim.
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