I wouldn’t blame you if you haven’t heard of U3A, especially if you are under 50, even though it has 400,000 members across the UK. It is one of those organisations that is publicised through word of mouth, and in this case only to retired people. But it is a shining example of the type of community led collective activity that as Liberal Democrats we greatly cherish.

U3A stands for the University of the Third Age. I admit that “University” is stretching it a bit, as it doesn’t actually offer any degrees or other qualifications, which I imagine is why it tends to be known by the shortened form these days. What it does offer is learning opportunities, cultural activities and social events, all run by members with the relevant expertise.

The basic premise is that retired people have a wealth of knowledge and skills that they can share. Any member can set up a group, most of which meet in members’ homes.

My local U3A (which covers my London borough) offers an astonishing 71 different groups; study areas include art, cooking, bridge, wine tasting, history, languages, literature, music and many more. Some groups are structured around trips to concerts or theatre and others enjoy outings for cycling or walking. Monthly lectures on a variety of subjects are well attended. Two years ago I very tentatively turned up at an art group having abandoned art at the age of 14 – I was welcomed and encouraged by an experienced teacher and have really grown in confidence. I also enjoy meeting with a poetry reading group.

Members can also attend online regional and national talks, attend study days and visit other branches.

Costs are kept really low – a subscription of just £12 a year includes glossy magazines and monthly newsletters. Most classes take place in a member’s home and the convention is to leave a pound or two to thank the host and cover the coffee.

Each local U3A runs as a charity, but is plugged into the national network – the kind of federal structure we are familiar with. There seems to be very little bureaucracy, apart from that necessary for the proper running of a charity, and I have not been aware of any internal politics and power struggles.

So why am I talking about U3A here on LDV? Well, I am reminded of our statement of beliefs in the Preamble to the Constitution of the Liberal Democrats.

We aim to disperse power, to foster diversity and to nurture creativity. We believe that the role of the state is to enable all citizens to attain these ideals, to contribute fully to their communities and to take part in the decisions which affect their lives.

Organisations like U3A fit in so well with our ideals, and should be a model for others.

* Mary Reid is a contributing editor on Lib Dem Voice. She was a councillor in Kingston upon Thames, where she is still very active with the local party, and is the Hon President of Kingston Lib Dems.