About the SYF

About our organisation

“To promote an interest in and the interests of the City of London among Freemen of the City and to undertake any activity that may be conducive to the realisation of this aim.”

The Society was founded by the Corporation of London in 1976 to encourage more young people to become involved in the affairs and traditions of the City.

The Society annually welcomes the Lord Mayor, our patron, to his year in office by participating in the Lord Mayor’s Show. Close ties with the City help the Young Freemen to promote, sustain and develop the Corporation of London and its origins which stem from medieval times. Although the Society was only founded in 1976, it is our right and privilege to ensure that the City of London continues to prosper well into the future.

Meet the committee

• 
  

  Govind Ratnam

  Position: Chairman
  Freedom Obtained: March 2008 (by Livery)
  Joined the SYF in: June 2008
  Livery Company: Worshipful Company of Basketmaker
  Love about the City: Discover something all the time…
  Fav. Movie: Thomas Crown Affair
  Best part of City: All of them…
  Fav. Meal: Japanese
  Join us because: It’s an exciting ride which brings together different people who would never meet under set circumstances.

• 
  

  David Double

  Position: Secretary
  Freedom Obtained: January 2009 (By Nomination)
  Joined the SYF in: June 2009
  Livery Company: Worshipful Company of Security Professionals
  Love about the City: Its long and varied history
  Fav. Movie: Miami Vice
  Best part of City: The Churches
  Fav. Meal: Hot Vindaloo
  Join us because: It’s super-awesome-great fun!

• 
  

  Chris Loder

  Position: Membership
  Freedom Obtained: May 2010
  Joined the SYF in: September 2010
  Livery Company: Carmen
  Love about the City: History & Tradition
  Best part of City: Smithfield
  Fav. Meal: Roast Beef
  Join us because: Great networking, opportunity to see things and places where otherwise would not be possible.

• 
  

  Adam Phillips

  Position: Functions Secretary
  Freedom Obtained: 2008
  Joined the SYF in: February 2011
  Livery Company: Goldsmiths Company
  Love about the City: Historical Tradition of the Livery Companies
  Fav. Movie: The Princess Bride
  Best part of City: Architecture
  Fav. Meal: The Tasting Menu at Le Gavroche
  Join us because: Want to become part of the tradition of the City and expand my horizons.

• 
  

  Lucy Sandford

  Position: Committee Member
  Freedom Obtained: 30th July 2010
  Joined the SYF in: September 2010
  Livery Company: none
  Love about the City: Guildhall Art Gallery
  Fav. Movie: Bridget Jones (the ending of the first, filmed in the Royal Exchange in the City
  Best part of City: Guildhall
  Fav. Meal: English breakfast
  Join us because: you get to visit some of the hidden gems in the City and look round some magnificant livery halls