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.
FESTIVE CONTEST BRINGS FRIENDLY COMPETITION AMONG YARMOUTH TRADERS
Yarmouth has been alive with twinkling lights in the run-up to Christmas, thanks to a seasonal contest organised by Yarmouth Traders Retail Collective, led by Adrian Evans. Wightlink stepped in to offer prizes for the most spectacular illuminated shops and...
Read moreDetailsRAID ON PROPERTY IN LAKE LEADS TO SEIZURE OF SUSPECTED CLASS A DRUGS
Suspected Class A drugs were seized when Police raided an address on a quiet residential estate in Lake this morning (Friday). It was just before 08:00 that more than a dozen officers descended on Woodhall Drive, on the Merrie Gardens...
Read moreDetailsYACHT WITH ENGINE TROUBLES TOWED TO COWES BY YARMOUTH’S ALL WEATHER LIFEBOAT
A sailing vessel with engine problems just off the North coast of the Isle of Wight was rescued by Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat yesterday evening (Thursday). It was just before 18:00 that HM Coastguard received reports from the lone skipper of...
Read moreDetails4 NEW GROUPS JOIN WIGHTLINK’S COMMUNITY SPONSORSHIP SCHEME
Wightlink has announced the Isle of Wight teams and groups it will sponsor in 2025, including 4 new groups. Next year, the ferry company will welcome Ryde Boxing Club, Ryde Swimming Club, Wightgymnasts (Xcel) and the Isle of Wight Young...
Read moreDetailsCONFIRMED OPENING TIMES FOR ISLE OF WIGHT PHARMACIES OVER CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
A number of pharmacies will stay open across the Isle of Wight over the festive period to continue to offer services and health advice. The Pharmacy First scheme ensures that pharmacies can offer treatment and medication if needed. Patients can...
Read moreDetails53% INCREASE IN WATER BILLS FOR ISLE OF WIGHT HOUSEHOLDS CONFIRMED
Ofwat has confirmed that the average Isle of Wight household's water bill will be going up by as much as 53% over the next 5 years. The regulator has set out how much water companies can invest in their networks...
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT LOTTERY RESULTS: 20TH DECEMBER 2024
The winning numbers in this week’s Isle of Wight Lottery draw (20th December 2024) are… Amount (£) Number £1,000.00 9653 £100.00 17288 £100.00 9566 £100.00 2373 £100.00 9327 £100.00 1414 £100.00 1783 £100.00 8258 £100.00 6889 £100.00 13120 £100.00 11008
Read moreDetails10-YEAR BATTLE TO REOPEN FOOTPATH ALONG FORMER RAILWAY LINE NEARS ITS END
A 10-year long argument about the old railway footpath that runs alongside Embankment Road in Bembridge appears to be over, with the imminent reopening of the path in the New Year. The British Rail branch line to Bembridge was closed...
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT PLANNING APPLICATIONS: 20TH DECEMBER 2024
The following planning applications and appeals have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council. They can be viewed online at www.iwight.com/planning. Alternatively, they can be viewed at Seaclose Offices, Fairlee Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2QS. Comments on the...
Read moreDetails4 FLEET MANAGEMENT TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2025
The fleet management industry is not just about vehicles anymore, it is a terrific mix of strategy, technology, and sustainability. With a data-driven and digital-first approach, this industry is all set to help fleet managers make faster and better decisions....
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