About Me
My Passions & Intrests
I have a passion for computers, mostly Vintage Apple because of the innovations they come up with and the designs of their older products (e.g. G4 iMac, iPod classic), and a Danish company called Bang & Olufsen who design and make the world's highest quality HiFi systems.
I have an interest in space-themed Sci-fi films and TV series (mostly Star Trek!) because it gives me new ideas on designing unusual products and it helps me to think of new innovative products such as a see-through screen (I originally designed in 2012). I have an interest in Tesla because I live electric cars and the modern innovative technology they come up with (e.g. one of the first autopilot systems, and the forever expanding range).
Design
I spend a lot of time designing technology and furniture on my computer, and would someday love to work as a product designer designing new technologies (like tv's and mobile devices) and furniture. Product design is a lifelong passion that I would like to pursue as a career.
From a young age, I have been involved in design. When I was young I was on a team with me school where we had to design and manufacture a miniature minimalistic solar-powered car. I was in charge of designing and manufacturing the electronics and circuits, I designed a circuit to boost the power to the motor.
Bee Keeping:
A hobby I enjoy is beekeeping, I have been a beekeeper for over 7 years. I currently look after 5 hives with my father and we are looking to expand soon.
Charity Work:
I have done several charity walks which have raised over £1000 for charity and this has awarded me with a Blue Peter Badge. I raised money for the Children’s Hospice South West by doing charity walks, bake sales and helping with garden parties.
More information:
I’ve done some voluntary work delivering leaflets in the Wellington area for the general election 2015 and for the local Parish Council elections. I have helped out at charity garden parties, selling, collecting donations and cleaning up.
Phtography
Another of my small but enjoyable hobbies is Photography. I have won some junior photography awards at Wellington flower show. I enjoy photographing almost everything like plants, animals, beaches, rivers, buildings and much more. I have sold a few photos in the past and I occasionally sell some online. I am now getting into aerial photography and I now own a drone which I use to practice drone flying and getting some landscape aerial photos.
Vintage Computer Restoration
I have a passion for computers. I will do lots of things with computers e.g. cleaning the internal circuits of computers, upgrading them, data recovery, repairs, and coding. I am also registered on Apples public Beta group where I test their prototype software before release and suggest ways of fixing problems.
I started a hobby to learn about vintage computers and how computer hardware works. I specialize in Apple devices and I taught myself to restore and repair old computers, upgraded and customized the software and operating systems installed on them.
Greenpower
I was part of the Taunton School Greenpower Challange team.
(sponsored by Toyota & Rapid Electronics)
We were the only school that entered and went up against universities and colleges making us the youngest team by far. Although we did not win the challange we were one of the most innovitive teams there with our "Minimalism" design. My role was electronics.
My Family History in Design
My family (on my father's side of the family) has had a connection to design for generations, form the 1800's when one of my ancestors founded Wake & Dean, A British furniture designer & manufacturer.
My grandfather who had one of the first digital printing businesses in the UK using one of the first Macintoshes in the UK.
And my Father who trained under one of the UK's best furniture designers (John Makepeace), torte design and technology and now is one of the top antique furniture restorers in the UK.
Design In My Life
I spend a lot of time designing technology and furniture on my computer, and would someday love to work as a product designer designing new technologies (like tv's and mobile devices) and furniture. Product design is a lifelong passion that I would like to pursue as a career.
From a young age, I have been involved in design. When I was young I was on a team with me school where we had to design and manufacture a miniature minimalistic solar-powered car. I was in charge of designing and manufacturing the electronics and circuits, I designed a circuit to boost the power to the motor.
My Grandfather
My grandfather (on my father's side) had one of the first digital printing businesses in the UK. He was one of the first people in the UK and EU to own and use the Apple Macintosh, Lisa and Macintosh Plus and many other computers. When I was young My grandmother would teach me to use a BIOS on an old IBM computer, That has been one of the biggest influences on my interest in computers.
My Father
My Father is an antique furniture restorer who trained in a 5-year apprenticeship in cabinet making under one of the UK's best furniture designers (John Makepeace), He then torte design and technology at Taunton School and has over 20 years of teaching experience.
My father now restores antique furniture and is regarded as one of the best restorers in the country and has done work for celebrities and national trust.
Tolchard Family History
Although there is no much connection to design, My grandfather has been a big influence in my life encouraging me from a young age to invent and create. We used to make different items form a boat made from 3 sinks bolted together, A limo go-cart (was very long and had 3 seats). My grandmother has always encouraged me to pursue my creativity.
My grandfather is an egg merchant where he buys and sells eggs to large manufacturers that use it to make mayonnaise.