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New President in Hertfordshire: Ben Ransom Hands Reins to Andy Christie

After eight years, Ben Ransom is stepping down as President of Wooden Spoon Hertfordshire. Ben has been an exceptional leader since August 2015, but his growing business commitments make it hard to fully dedicate time to the role. He has overseen nine projects worth over £100,000 in Hertfordshire and contributed to fundraising efforts through golf events and memorabilia auctions.
Ben retired from professional rugby and earned his MBA at Oxford in 2018, where he excelled both academically and as a rugby player. He has also run the London Marathon, raising £3,500 for Wooden Spoon.
John Batters, the Hertfordshire Region Chairman says that he has been extremely grateful for all of Ben’s support over the years and looks forward to seeing him at future golf days whilst wishing him all the best for the future. “Thank you Ben!”

Ben reflected on his role as Honorary President.

“It has been my pleasure to work alongside John as the Honorary President for the Wooden Spoon Hertfordshire for the past 8 years. Thank you to Wooden Spoon and especially John who single handedly guides the region so well in its fundraising activities and putting all the funds to good use. It has been a privilege to see first hand how the money raised is helping disadvantaged and disabled children in the region. 


Luckily for the charity and it’s region, Chairman John Batters has already secured Ben’s successor and is delighted to welcome Saracens and Scotland International Andy Christie into post.

“After a few great meetings, I’m delighted to welcome Andy as our new Hon President. Andy continues the Hertfordshire tradition of having current playing professionals as President, following Joe Worseley (Wasps), Will Fraser & Ben Ransom (both Saracens) and we look forward to working with him to continue to benefit children within Hertfordshire with disabilities and/or disadvantages”.


On the news of his successful appointment, Andy commented

“I’m extremely proud and honoured to have been given the role of President of the Wooden Spoon in Hertfordshire. It’s a charity I’ve known about since I was a child and one that my family have, in fact, been supporters of for a number of years. The work the charity has done since its creation in 1983 has been phenomenal and given its relation to rugby, taking on this role feels extremely fitting. I’m very excited to be involved and I look forward to helping this charity achieve more great success in the future.”