- Dad: Joe (48) - Professor of Geology
- Mum: Annabel (50) - just completed a PhD in Astrophysics
- Children: Gwen (12) and Kitty (11)
- Location: Penarth near Cardiff
Why did you want to take part in Coal House?
Annabel: It was my idea. We love going on adventures as a family and visiting new places. We have travelled all over the world, visiting Africa, New Zealand and the USA. What could be more exciting than visiting a different time?
What are you most looking forward to?
Joe: Seeing how our family gets on through all the ups and downs and how the children react to the hardships.
Annabel: It'll be amazing stepping into history instead of just looking at it from the outside. We're not worried about roughing it and we're not terribly fussy eaters so we should be fine.
Kitty: I'm looking forward to being with all the other kids - we are going to have such fun.
What do you think could make your Coal House experience difficult?
Joe: Thinking about the outside world from time to time and worrying just how much email will pile up! Backache from the physicality of the job may also be an issue!
Annabel: Doing the washing and having a horrified nation watching my attempts at cooking. I think just running a 1927 house will be quite a challenge, and being watched will add to the stress. I'm looking forward to it though. We spend quite a lot of time together but, as with any family, we have spats which are usually solved by people getting away from each other. There won't be much of that in our little cottage!
Gwen: Doing without all the modern things I take for granted, like shampoo and central heating.
Kitty: School
Why do you think you were chosen out of 150 families?
Joe: I have a strong family connection with mining and I think the total contrast of mining with my career is probably interesting.
Annabel: Also, on selection day, there were very long periods of waiting around, and we didn't get bored or ratty. We can amuse ourselves.
What do you know about life and work in a 1927 coal mining community?
Annabel: I have been to St Fagans, to look at the 1920s house and the shop, which was quite encouraging. At least they had biscuits and custard though I don't know whether we will be able to afford them. Unfortunately, Weetabix didn't exist in 1927, so Kitty may starve.
What is your family connection with mining?
Joe: My paternal great-grandfather was in a mining accident and died in my grandfather's arms. My maternal grandfather mined in the Neath Valley and was kicked by a pit pony and broke his leg a week before he was due to sail on the Titanic. His best friend went in his place and drowned.
Annabel: Joe's mother has told me that she and her sister used to have to take it in turns to go to school because they had only one pair of shoes between them.
What do you think you're going to miss most from 2007?
All: Our dog, Bertie
Joe: If I could take anything from 2007 back to 1927 it would have to be a proper bath with on tap hot water .
Gwen & Kitty: A telephone would be nice.
What kind of family would be your best/worst neighbours?
Joe: I wouldn't like totally selfish people.
Annabel: People who objected to noise from the children playing wouldn't be good. The Griffiths and the Phillips seem like perfect neighbours!
Kitty: People who didnt like dogs would be bad neighbours.
Gwen Cartwright has written the book 'Coal House Diary', about her experiences taking part in the programme, available from high-street and online book retailers.
