Not a Toff

The life story of Donald Curry, Baron of Kirkharle

John Wibberley

Book Review

Not a toff: the life story of Donald Curry, Baron of Kirkharle
Jim Cockburn. 2025.
Malcolm Down Publishing Ltd.
320 pages. Paperback & Kindle.
ISBN 978-1-917455-40-4.
Purchase at Amazon UK.

From farm-boy to farmer, agricultural leader, knight, and peer of the realm since 2011, this is the warm-hearted biography of Donald Curry, Lord Curry of Kirkharle in Northumberland, family man and friend. The author is retired headteacher and established biographer, Jim Cockburn.

Having first met Donald Curry in his rural church in Northumberland in 1971 (when it became clear that Northumberland farming was full of Currys and Murrays!) this reviewer came to know him well from the 1990s to date – and to observe and admire his stalwart, humble adherence to His Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in all circumstances.

Donald Curry’s service to agriculture is renowned, as is his reputation for compassionate listening and leadership, ably and constantly supported by his dear wife Rhoda. As The Lord Curry of Kirkharle Kt CBE, Donald sits as a cross-bench peer thus enabling him to interact equably with members of parliament of both houses and of all parties. He has spoken out clearly on the sanctity of human life from neo-natal to old-age issues, and is an active supporter of the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship.

The book is in four parts with foreword, introduction, conclusion, in a total of eighteen chapters as follows.

Part One. Family, farming and faith.
Growing up in the Coquet Valley, trusting Christ, marrying Rhoda and farming together.

Part Two. Looking outward.
NFU (National Farmers’ Union); MLC (Meat & Livestock Commission); the Curry Commission on Food and Agriculture; estate management, and many other ‘pies’!

Part Three. Charity.
At Home in the Community inspired by his late beloved daughter Jane’s disability; The Prince’s Countryside Fund; supporting farmers through crisis; social farms and gardens; Anglican International Development (in South Sudan and nearby countries).

Part Four. Serving the Lord in the Lords.
Becoming a peer of the realm; debating in the Lords; developing future leaders; Christians in Parliament. Lord Curry’s dedicated service to King and Country is widely acknowledged.

This reviewer found reading this book truly fascinating, gripping and heart-warming. However, you do not have to be involved in farming or agriculture to enjoy the book. All who seek the Lord of creation, love the countryside and care about national and international issues will benefit from reading this thoroughly researched and highly readable account. I heartily recommend it unreservedly. It is a record of inspired, practical biblical living: a real blessing!