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.
CONCERNS OVER ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND WEED SMOKING AT NATURE RESERVE
Police are looking into reports of anti-social behaviour, including the smoking of drugs, at a nature reserve in Seaview. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has been made aware of issues arising at Hersey Nature Reserve at Seaview Duver, in...
Read moreDetailsENGINEERS FIX ST CLARE BUT FREE CANCELLATIONS STILL ON OFFER
Wightlink has brought its St Clare car ferry back into service following yesterday's double engine failure. Engineers have worked around the clock to carry out repairs, which has proven successful. As a result of the hard work, St Clare will...
Read moreDetails12FT DEEP SINKHOLE OPENS UP ON MAIN ROAD THROUGH TOTLAND
The discovery of a sinkhole - reported to be 12ft deep - has led to the closure of a main road through Totland today (Friday). Island Roads was called out to The Broadway this morning amid concerns for public safety...
Read moreDetailsFIESTA CRASHES THROUGH HEDGE ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF RYDE
A car has left the road and careered through a hedge on the outskirts of Ryde this morning (Friday). A blue Ford Fiesta has been involved in the single vehicle collision on Stroud Wood Road between Upton and Havenstreet. It...
Read moreDetails6-HOUR DELAYS AS WIGHTLINK RACES TO FIX BROKEN FERRY
Wightlink customers have spoken of delays in excess of 6 hours following the withdrawal of St Clare from service, with disruption continuing to cause chaos on the Fishbourne-Portsmouth route today (Friday). Just 1 ferry - St Faith - is in...
Read moreDetailsDIOCESE LAUNCHES FORMAL CHALLENGE AGAINST COUNCIL OVER SCHOOL CLOSURES
The Diocese of Portsmouth has begun a process paving the way for a potential Judicial Review of the Isle of Wight Council’s plans to close 3 Church of England schools. A formal ‘Letter before Claim’ has been sent to the...
Read moreDetailsEXPLORING THE RISE OF PLAY WITH NO KYC – A NEW ERA IN ONLINE GAMING
In the rapidly evolving realm of online gaming, the concept of "Play with no KYC" has gained notable traction, revolutionizing the way players engage with online casinos. This model emphasizes the elimination of traditional identity verification processes, thereby enhancing user...
Read moreDetailsTRAVEL CHAOS AS WIGHTLINK DOWN TO SINGLE FERRY ON FISHBOURNE ROUTE
There is chaos on Wightlink's cross-Solent services as a double engine failure on board St Clare has left the Fishbourne-Portsmouth route with just 1 ferry in operation this evening (Thursday). With Victoria of Wight undergoing annual maintenance and St Clare...
Read moreDetailsMERRIEBANK’S DEAN AND SOPHIE RECOGNISED FOR LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE
Newport-based Merriebank Lettings is celebrating picking up ‘Best Family Business Leader’ at the 2025 Business Leader Awards, as well as a second national award. The awards highlight the extraordinary individuals who are shaping industries, pioneering innovation, and redefining leadership. From...
Read moreDetailsTHEATRETRAIN AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS RECOGNITION BY COUNCIL FOR DANCE, DRAMA AND MUSICAL THEATRE
Theatretrain Isle of Wight has been officially recognised by the Council for Dance, Drama, and Musical Theatre (CDMT) - a prestigious recognition that affirms the school’s commitment to providing safe, professional, and high-quality performing arts training for its students. CDMT...
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