Darren Toogood - Editor
Darren started his career as a photojournalist at just 16 years of age, reporting across the Isle of Wight for regional, national and international media.
Driven by a passion for trusted local journalism, this true Caulkhead founded Island Echo in 2012 and has since grown it into a multi-award-winning publication. He is still the Editor and Publisher today.
Darren holds a Diploma with Honours in Media Law from the London School of Journalism.
ISLAND SEES ANOTHER SMALL RISE IN CONFIRMED CORONAVIRUS CASES
69 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed on the Isle of Wight to date, according to the latest official figures. It has been announced this afternoon (Monday) that the total number of cases now sits at 69 - a rise...
Read moreDetailsWIGHT STROLLERS CONTINUE TO SPREAD CHEER AND DONATE VITAL FUNDS TO LOCAL GOOD CAUSES
This year marks the 40th anniversary for The Wight Strollers and even though they are not celebrating how they may have hoped, the group are continuing to spread plenty of cheer as well as donating vital funds to Isle of...
Read moreDetailsTHOUSANDS TAKE PART IN DIGITAL SERVICES OVER EASTER
Thousands of people took part in digital services that were live-streamed or pre-recorded by CofE churches in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight over the Easter weekend. Regular worshippers and non-churchgoers alike went online to participate in Maundy Thursday gatherings,...
Read moreDetailsDRIVERS REMINDED NOT TO USE RYDE HIGH STREET’S PEDESTRIANISED ZONE
Motorists are being reminded not to use the pedestrianised area of Ryde High Street for parking, or as a rat run, during the coronavirus crisis. Police say they are growing increasingly concerned for the safety of pedestrians as a large number...
Read moreDetailsSTRONG PROGRESS MADE WITH BUSINESS GRANT PAYMENTS SAYS COUNCIL
The Isle of Wight Council has processed payments totalling £23.6 million to more than 1,940 Island businesses eligible for vital government grant support - but over 800 businesses who have already given the Council their bank details are still waiting....
Read moreDetailsDARLING E-BIDS OF MAY – 2 ISLAND PROPERTIES TO GO UNDER THE VIRTUAL HAMMER
A plot of land and a mixed residential and commercial building on the Island are poised to go under the virtual hammer in Clive Emson’s spring auction. An access track and 2 parcels of land near Newport and an investment...
Read moreDetailsTHE STIGMA OF HAIR LOSS
Whether you are male or female, losing your hair can be a difficult time. That is partially due to the stigma that still exists around baldness. But why is there a stigma concerning hair loss? The Stigma of Hair Loss...
Read moreDetailsJOB RETENTION SCHEME GOES LIVE FOR EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE FURLOUGHED STAFF
The Job Retention Scheme announced by the Government last month has gone live today (Monday), marking an incredibly important day for employers who have furloughed their staff during the coronavirus crisis. At 08:00 this morning, the scheme's online portal was...
Read moreDetailsSHANKLIN MAN CHARGED WITH INDECENT EXPOSURE AFTER INCIDENT IN RYDE
20-year-old Jay Pearson has been charged with indecent exposure and 2 other offences following an incident in Ryde on Saturday night. Police were called to the area of Ryde Bus Station when concerned members of public called 999 to report...
Read moreDetailsNO DATE ON KID’S RETURN TO SCHOOL BUT DOORS WILL REMAIN CLOSED OVER THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS
The Government has been unable to say when children will return to school as normal, but confirm that there are currently no plans to open schools over the Summer Holidays. Schools across the Isle of Wight have been closed for...
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