Ballycarry man designs stretcher in 1955
A Northern Ireland man with family ties to Ballycarry designed the ‘heli-stretcher’ in August 1955.
Lieutenant Commander John S Sproule designed the piece of medical equipment, which was showcased to The Duke Of Edinburgh. Lt. Commander Sproule also designed the scoop device which is used by helicopters to rescue people from the sea.
The same week, two visitors from England were impressed by Carrickfergus, but wondered why there were not as many tourists here as they had expected. Alderman and Mrs Brook from Huddersfield visited the area in summer 1955, and contacted the Times to say how much they enjoyed their visit. They were surprised that with the sea views there were not more people here enjoying the town.