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.
ISLANDERS DOMINATE BOURNEMOUTH IN LADIES NATIONAL TRIPLES
The trio of Anne Bernard, Gay Allen and Pauline Proud took on Bournemouth Indoor Bowls Club’s J. Hudson, S. Dadson and J. Halliwell at Five Rivers in the area final of this season’s Ladies National Triples last week. The Bournemouth...
Read moreDetailsSECOND CORONAVIRUS CASE CONFIRMED ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
A second person on the Isle of Wight has tested positive for coronavirus, it has been announced. The first local case was confirmed by Public Health England last Saturday night and it hasn't taken long for a second case to...
Read moreDetailsCYCLE RACE TEAM’S SEASON GETS UNDERWAY IN SURREY
Wightlink Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team opened its 2020 season with the Dunsfold Road Race, part of the Surrey Cycling League, on 7th March. The race for Cat 3 riders was an 8-lap circuit covering 51 miles. The weather conditions...
Read moreDetailsARSON INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED FOLLOWING NEWPORT PROPERTY FIRE
Police have launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack following a fire at a property in Newport last night (Friday). As first reported by Island Echo, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were mobilised to an address...
Read moreDetailsMEDIEVAL TREASURE RETURNS TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT
A medieval treasure unearthed by an Isle of Wight metal detectorist is now on display at the Museum of Island History at Newport Guildhall. The 15th-century gold ring was discovered by Matthew Shaw while metal detecting in the parish of...
Read moreDetailsIW GRAND NATIONAL AND SCURRY 2020 POSTPONED
The Isle of Wight Grand National and Ashey Scurry has been postponed due to the recent wet weather. Competitors and spectators alike will be disappointed at the news, especially as the event is often affected by bad weather - be...
Read moreDetailsMP ASKS ISLAND BUSINESSES FOR REACTION TO CHANCELLORS BUDGET
Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely is calling on the Island’s business community for their reaction to budget steps announced on Wednesday (11th March) to mitigate against the effects of Coronavirus. The Chancellor announced a multi-billion pound package of measures...
Read moreDetailsJUST OVER 100 DAYS UNTIL THE ROYAL COUNTY SHOW RETURNS FOR 2020
Graham Biss with 2 sheep promoting sustainable travel to the show The Royal Isle of Wight County Show celebrates the very best that the Island can offer - and if you’d like your business to be represented, then act quickly...
Read moreDetailsLENGTHY DELAYS ON WIGHTLINK’S FISHBOURNE ROUTE DUE TO BREAKDOWN
Wightlink customers are facing lengthy delays on the company's Fishbourne-Portsmouth route this afternoon (Friday) due to a fault with the linkspan. Delays of between 30 and 60 minutes are being reported as the vessel St Clare is currently unable to...
Read moreDetailsHOW TO CHOOSE A SALON WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU? A DEFINITIVE GUIDE
Beauty salons have become the necessity for people these days, and rightfully so. Our lives have become so busy that barely anyone gets time to look after themselves. Everyone rushes to work or try to meet their deadlines. Amidst all...
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