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.
625 ISLANDERS TREATED BY MOBILE DENTAL SERVICE IN THE FIRST 12 MONTHS
More than 5,000 people experiencing health inequalities have been seen onboard mobile dental units in the first year of a partnership between NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight and Dentaid. The scheme – launched last February – aims to increase...
Read moreDetailsUNDERSTANDING THE MECHANICS BEHIND SLOT MACHINES
The evolution of slot machines represents one of gaming's most fascinating journeys, from simple mechanical devices to sophisticated digital gameplay. Today's online platforms, many offering 50 free spins no deposit no wager promotions, showcase just how far this technology has...
Read moreDetails$5M ENTRY FEE? NEW ‘TRUMP GOLD CARD’ VISA PROPOSAL DRAWS INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION
The buzz around President Trump's proposal of the $5 million "Gold Card" visa has captured global attention. This initiative aims to attract wealthy investors by offering a path to U.S. residency and eventual citizenship in exchange for a substantial financial...
Read moreDetailsWHO KEEPS THE BALL AND WHO GIVES IT AWAY? RUGBY’S TOP AND BOTTOM PERFORMERS
Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn has stood out as the most dependable player, completing the tournament without losing possession. In contrast, England’s Sam Underhill recorded the highest rate of turnovers, making him the most likely to concede the ball. The study examined...
Read moreDetailsTHE ROYAL HOTEL MOURNS DEATH OF FORMER OWNER WILLIAM BAILEY
William Bailey, the former owner of the Isle of Wight's The Royal Hotel, which he ran for some 30 years, has died. William came from a well-known family of hoteliers who had been managing important hotels on the Isle of...
Read moreDetailsLESLIES MOTOR SHOW RETURNS FOR 2025: DISCOVER THE FUTURE OF DRIVING
Leslies Motors is excited to announce the return of the Leslies Motor Show 2025, taking place this coming Sunday (2nd March) at Medina Leisure Centre, from 10:00-16:00. This highly anticipated event is the ultimate showcase of the latest new cars, featuring...
Read moreDetailsYOUTH VOICE TAKES CENTRE STAGE AND HELP SHAPE THE ISLAND’S FUTURE AT CONFERENCE
Over 35 young people from across the Isle of Wight recently participated in a dynamic and engaging Youth Voice Conference held at Newport Minster, designed to amplify their voices and address key issues facing their generation. The event, supported by...
Read moreDetailsARREST AFTER WOMEN AND CHILDREN APPROACHED BY ‘CROTCH GRABBING MAN’ IN FRESHWATER
A 61-year-old Isle of Wight man has been arrested after 2 mums and their children were allegedly approached in Freshwater yesterday morning (Tuesday). Police say the suspicious incident occurred on School Green Road at around 09:00, with a report made...
Read moreDetailsAPPEAL LAUNCHED TO HELP FIND MISSING VENTNOR WOMAN SARAH WATSON
Police are appealing for the public's help in locating missing 56-year-old Sarah Watson from Ventnor, who has not been seen since Monday. Sarah was reported missing to Police yesterday (Tuesday), however, she has not been seen since 10:30 on Monday...
Read moreDetailsSEARCH FOR PERSON FEARED TO GONE OVER CLIFF EDGE ENTERS SECOND DAY
The search for a person who is feared to have gone over the edge of Culver Cliff has entered a second day, with Police and HM Coastguard continuing their efforts to locate the individual. It was at around 13:30 yesterday...
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