The Dining Group provides a pleasant social activity which enables members to meet together over a meal.  Meals are arranged on a 2 monthly basis, generally to local restaurants or pubs in an attempt to keep the price within reasonable bounds.  If members have difficulty with transport, usually lifts can be arranged with someone living in their area.  During the Summer months we try to arrange some evening meals to take advantage of the lighter nights but in Winter we only organise lunch time meals.

        The group is friendly and welcoming and members have the chance to meet each other on a social basis and also learn a little about the food available in our local area.  Over time the group will sample different cuisines from divergent nationalities to possibly broaden their palate.

        Information about venues and dates can be seen at the main U3A meetings at the 'Dining Group Table' where the bookings and payments are taken.  Members are given the menu and costs, make their selections which are then passed on to the restaurants and they receive their menu choice back when attending the lunch or dinner.

Programme of Outings 2009
 
12th February.   The Menzies Pinewood Hotel, 12.30 p.m.  Three course meal plus coffee, £12.95.

9th April.         The Midway, Stockport, 12.30 for 1.00pm.   2 /3 course lunch, £12.00 or £15.00

16th June.    'Judith Mary' restaurant boat, Whaley Bridge, 7.00pm. A 2½ hour cruise with                                                                                                                        hot-pot, apple pie & cream
Report on the Outing:-
On the 16th June 35 members, of the Dining Group (including some German guests of the U3A German group) enjoyed a meal on board the Judith Mary canal boat.
We travelled along the Upper Peak Forest Canal departing from Whaley Bridge for two and a half hours on an extremely pleasant June evening. 
An occasional  commentary was given about the countryside we passed by and a little bit of history of the area, including Teapot Row, this original name comes from the fact that all the dwellers used to empty their tea pots into the canal.
Passing through Bugsworth Basin and Furness Vale, this was an extremely pleasant and relaxing way to spend a delightful summer evening.
Having dined extremely well on home-made local Beef hot pot served with beetroot and red cabbage followed by apple pie and fresh cream, we felt replete and contented as we made our way home.

13th August.       The Ram's Head, Disley.   12.30pm for 1pm, 2 or 3 courses for £9.50 or £11.50 including gratuity.  See Margaret Meekley or Jean Drinkwater to book.

15th October - October's meal is at Peruga, which used to be called Woodheys - Marple Bridge area.
2 or 3 courses at £11 or £14 including gratuities. Comes highly recommended and has fantastic views from the dining room windows. Menus available at next meeting.

15th December - L'Ecole catering college, Heaton Moor.  11.45 for 12.00.  3 courses £11.50 excluding gratuities.  Limited availability so book early, £5 deposit.
Report on the Outing:-
The Dining Group enjoyed a delightful lunch at L’Ecole restaurant (part of Stockport College) during December, the students are always keen to make the dining experience there a pleasant one.