The Largs and Millport Weekly News announced in July 1961 about a sparkling new development in the town - "It's a Largs sherry" was the headline in July 21 1961.

The 'News' reported: "The blending of sherry, one would imagine ,was not a likely exercise, too carried on at Largs but that is what is being done on a considerable scale at the bonded warehouse of J.H Wham and Son (Largs) Ltd, in the former George Cinema.

"It is a changed place the old cinema these days. Messrs Wham took possession seven days ago after many alterations and it has become a well equipped headquarters for a thriving business.

"Everything for the hotel and public house trade, except beer is stocked." Mr James Wham, the managing director, had the idea of the firm importing sherry and blending it themselves.

After negotiations with South Africa Wine Farmers' Association, and other interest, the new sherry has been launched.

It was known as Kimberley Royal Cream. In the beginning, Messrs Wham brought in the services of the London winemaster who undertook to blend a new sherry for the firm.

Mr Wham stayed for a week in London, while the winemaster sought a blend from 400 different samples of South African sherry and the selected blend became the Largs Sherry.

Mr Wham had to decide upon a container and went to Portugal to get the clear cut-glass decanter that he wanted. A glass stopper was supplied with each decanter - tied to the neck of the container for use after the cork is drawn. Kimberley Cream SHerry retailed at the 'very moderate price' of 13s 6d (65p).

The 'News' reported: "It should almost certainly be a big success - We have sampled some! It has strength of 42% proof, the highest alcholic content permissable in sherry", The label proclaimed that the sherry came from Brisbane Cellars, the name given to Messrs Wham's warehouse. The premises were described as spacious, with a storage and bottling plant.