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.
SELLING PRE-OWNED GOLD JEWELLERY IN 2025
Quick Tips on Market Trends, Identifying Genuine Pieces, and Understanding who to sell to Many of us have started the new year with a fresh set of goals, and have been tackling those jobs we have been putting off for...
Read moreDetailsGRITTERS TO HIT THE ROADS FOR FULL RUN EARLY ON MONDAY MORNING
As freezing temperatures continue across the Isle of Wight it has been confirmed that Island Roads' fleet of gritters will once again be deployed overnight. The gritters will leave the Stag Lane depot at 04:00 tomorrow morning (Monday) to complete a...
Read moreDetailsWHY OUTSOURCE CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO POLAND?
Outsourcing customer service has become an effective way for businesses to enhance customer experiences while cutting costs. Poland stands out as a top destination for customer service outsourcing in Europe, offering a skilled workforce, cost advantages, and exceptional service quality. Cost...
Read moreDetailsPOWER CUT LEAVES 600 PROPERTIES WITHOUT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IN SHANKLIN
Over 600 homes and businesses in Shanklin have been hit by yet another power cut - with supplies not expected to be restored until the early hours of Sunday morning. It was just gone 21:00 that power was lost to...
Read moreDetailsAIR AMBULANCE SCRAMBLED TO YARMOUTH FOR SECOND SATURDAY EMERGENCY
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has completed its second local mission of the day - and its fourth in just 48 hours - following an emergency situation in Yarmouth. It was at around 12:30 that flying medics...
Read moreDetailsANNUAL ‘BARRY’S BASH’ RAISES THOUSANDS FOR COWES RNLI
The Duke of York’s annual Barry Cass Memorial Bash saw many enjoying a merry evening in the pub’s outdoor garden back in September, raising thousands for the local lifeboat in the process. The annual event, a favourite among Cowes Week...
Read moreDetailsGRITTERS TO BE DEPLOYED THIS AFTERNOON AS COLD WEATHER CONTINUES
Island Roads will once again be deploying its fleet of gritters as sub-zero temperatures continue to linger - with the first gritting run due to be carried out before the sun goes down this afternoon (Saturday). It's said that a...
Read moreDetailsAIR AMBULANCE IN DUXMORE MISSION – 1 PERSON FLOWN TO SOUTHAMPTON HOSPITAL
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has airlifted an individual to the mainland for further treatment following an incident at Duxmore, on the outskirts of Havenstreet. Flying medics were scrambled from their base at Thruxton at around 10:30...
Read moreDetailsDRIVER ARRESTED FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE AFTER ROUNDABOUT CRASH
A 35-year-old man from Sandown has been arrested on suspicion of failing to provide after crashing a car into the middle of Racecourse Roundabout at Whippingham during the early hours of this morning (Saturday). Police came across a blue Vauxhall...
Read moreDetailsRED JET CANCELLATIONS OWING TO COMPASS CONUNDRUM
There are cancellations on Red Funnel’s hi-speed Red Jet service this morning (Saturday) due to a technical issue on board Red Jet 7. A problem with the gyro compass has forced the cancellation of 9 crossings including the 08:25, 09:35,...
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