OXFORD’S Phoenix Picturehouse has been the scene of unforgettable films and equally unforgettable first kisses for nearly 100 years.

Now the Jericho institution wants to collect those cherished memories for a special centenary celebration in 2013.

Sponsored by the Oxford Mail, the cinema wants to collect photographs, memories and anecdotes from screenings throughout the decades.

Manager Suzy Sheriff said: “The Phoenix is an Oxford institution and this is too big an occasion to let it slip by.

“So we are putting a book together and we would love to hear from long-term or past customers, patrons or anyone who has worked here.

“The perfect thing would be to get in touch with anyone who had their first date or kiss here and then went on to spend years together.”

The North Oxford Kinema in Walton Street first opened its doors in March 1913.

In 1920 it was renamed the Scala and specialised in old and foreign films. In 1970 it was split to become Studios One and Two – one of which became famous for showing softcore pornography.

It was renamed the Phoenix Cinema in 1989 and became the first cinema owned by newly formed City Screen Limited. It is also home to the Oxford Mail’s annual film festival.

Mrs Sheriff said: “Many customers have become friends. I’ve been manager since 2004 and many of the staff have been here longer, which says a lot.”

The cinema will work with Oxford Brookes University to create a book and hopefully a website and exhibition based around the memories. There are also plans for a season of Oxford-related movies.

Centenary project manager Deborah Allison said: “The cinema has a special place in the lives of a lot of people.

“We had a couple who got engaged there at Christmas while It’s A Wonderful Life was playing.”

Send any reminiscences to phoenix-memories@picturehouses.co.uk or to Centenary Project, Phoenix Picturehouse, 57 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6AE or pick up a questionnaire from the cinema.