Royal honour for ‘born and bred’ Billingshurst man

Mark Summerfield has been awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year honours for public service. He spent 10 years as HR director with the Crown Prosecution Service before taking early retirement in August.

Mark, 56, said he was ‘very surprised but absolutely delighted’ to be given the award.

He is described by the Crown Prosecution Service as “an influential leader who steered the CPS to achieve significant change, turning it into an employer of choice in recent years by improving the organisational culture, staff wellbeing, career development and attracting diverse talent.

“He demonstrated clarity and vision as a leader to introduce progressive employment practices which have helped to create the positive, inclusive and diverse culture we continue to build on today.”

Mark was born in Billingshurst and grew up in the village attending what was Billingshurst Infants and Junior schools before going on to study at The Weald.

There he took O and A levels before going to university in Kingston.

“I’ve lived in Billingshurst ever since,” said Mark.”I love this part of the world. I can walk down the high street and always say hello to people I know. I place quite a high value on community.”

And Mark has played a large community role himself. In his younger days he played football for Billingshurst FC and was a member of the Horsham Blue Star Harriers.

He also has the distinction of holding the 200 metres best sprint record at The Weald - which he achieved in 1976 and which still remains unbroken.

Married with two daughters, Mark says that his wife Debbie and family are looking forward to accompanying him when he receives his award at the palace.

“There will be a delay, obviously, because of the pandemic but Debbie is already sizing up what she might wear.”