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.
ATTEMPTED KNIFEPOINT ROBBERY IN RYDE UNDER INVESTIGATION BY POLICE
Police are investigating an attempted knifepoint robbery that took place near a children's playpark in Ryde earlier this week. It was on Monday nightn (18th November) that a local man was sitting in a shelter at Simeon Street Recreation Ground...
Read moreDetailsDOG BITE INCIDENTS IN EAST COWES BEING INVESTIGATED BY POLICE
Police are investigating after 2 people were bitten by a dog in East Cowes over the past week, with the offending animal's owner now identified. 3 separate incidents are reported to have occurred on 12th, 15th and 19th November. The...
Read moreDetailsWEATHER WARNING ISSUED AS STORMY WEATHER EXPECTED ON SATURDAY
Wind gusts of up to 70mph, accompanied by heavy rain, will batter the Isle of Wight tomorrow (Saturday) leading to a yellow weather warning being issued. IW Met Service says that a deep area of low pressure will move in...
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT’S IFPL GROUP HITS 4 MILLION UNITS MILESTONE
Calbourne-based IFPL Group, global leaders in the design and manufacture of products that enhance an aircraft cabin interior, are celebrating the production of their 4millionth unit. This incredible achievement highlights the company’s continued growth and innovation post-COVID as it celebrates...
Read moreDetailsSAVE BIG ON FERRY TRAVEL IN THE RED FUNNEL BLACK FRIDAY SALE
Red Funnel is offering an unbeatable 1/3 off Isle of Wight ferry travel this Black Friday. Islanders can save big on mainland trips and holidays with a huge 1/3 off travel with Red Funnel. This great money-saving offer is valid...
Read moreDetailsKITE HILL CLOSURE TO BRING SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL DISRUPTION ON MONDAY INTO TUESDAY
Motorists face significant travel disruption on Monday when Kite Hill, the main road connecting Ryde and Newport, is closed. Openreach is due to undertake essential works to the telecommunications network between Wootton Bridge and Fishbourne Lane from 09:30 on Monday...
Read moreDetailsHOW TO SAVE MONEY ONLINE ON CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Christmas is one of the biggest gift-giving days in the UK. It can be a stressful time as there are many gifts to buy and a budget to manage. Because of this, people are always looking for ways to save...
Read moreDetailsMORE THAN 1,200 SHANKLIN HOMES HIT BY POWER CUT
Engineers are working to restore power to more than 1,200 homes in the PO37 area - Shanklin. It was just before 18:00 - just as Islanders sat down for dinner - that supplies were lost to properties in the Shanklin...
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT FARMERS GO TO WESTMINSTER IN PROTEST OF LABOUR’S BUDGET PLANS
A group of 13 Isle of Wight farmers travelled to London earlier this week to join the mass protest against Labour’s anti-farming tax hike. Joe Robertson, Member of Parliament for Isle of Wight East, met with some of the group...
Read moreDetailsRED FUNNEL’S OPERATIONS DIRECTOR LEANNA LAKES TO JUMP SHIP IN 2025
Red Funnel's operations director, Leanna Lakes, is to leave the company next year, it has been confirmed. Leanna joined the cross-Solent operator in February 2020 and has been described as an 'integral part of the team', steering the company through...
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