The West Wimbledon Opera Club is celebrating the life of Covent Garden tenor James Johnston this August in an affectionate talk by David Bury.

Belfast born Johnston was a butcher with no formal musical training and yet he went on to become the principal dramatic tenor at Covent Garden in the 1950s, singing opposite many of the greatest stars of the day including Maria Callas, with whom he had a famous altercation.

Bury tells us: "It was at a time when she was just emerging as the great prima donna.

"During an impassioned embrace in rehearsals, he somehow managed to send her sprawling on the floor. She was vastly affronted and stormed out.

"Johnston was a very down-to-earth and unspoilt man but he had a very distinguished career.

"He had a natural spontaneity and ability to communicate with the audience. When he eventually stopped working he simply went back to being a butcher.

"In those days you could see him perform, as I did, for about five shillings or twenty-five pence and it would get you a good seat.

"It was a time when there was a regular company at Covent Garden rather than these international people who fly in and out.

"He typifies an era which has long since passed and which many of us remember with affection and nostalgia."

The West Wimbledon Opera Club hosts lively and varied talks on opera and operetta on the fourth Friday of every month. Memories of Jimmy is the final talk in the club's summer programme and will be supported by recordings of Johnston's music. The new season begins in October.

James Johnston: Dramatic Tenor - Memories of Jimmy, West Wimbledon Opera Club, Avenue Hall, Avenue Road, Raynes Park, 8pm, Friday August 28, non-members £3. For more information call 020 8946 3865.