5:31pm Tuesday 2nd February 2010
By Kevin Bradford
MEMORIES of a historic East Finchley cinema are being sought as part of its centenary celebrations.
Bosses at The Phoenix cinema, in High Road, have launched a heritage project which is looking for anyone who has an anecdote to share about the building.
The Phoenix Story Book will record people's stories and reminiscences through a series of interviews that will be collated ahead of a special screening later this year.
Organisers of the project are asking anyone who has worked at or visited the Phoenix in the last 100 years to come forward and contribute.
Paul Homer, chief executive of the cinema, said they are carrying out an “extensive programme” of heritage activities which are intended to “engage with people across the community”, and said: “This unique project hopes to draw participants from all ages, communities and areas, to create a collection of stories to be enjoyed by visitors to The Phoenix in its new century.”
The cinema is recognised as the UK's oldest continuous run cinema, and is in the process of collecting the final £70,000 towards the £1.1 million restoration project.
The money will help pay for the maintenance and refurbishment of the cinema, and it is hoped works can be completed by this year to mark the 100-year anniversary.
Fundraising efforts are continuing and donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/phoenix-cinema.
Anyone interested in the heritage project or in helping with the filming of interviews can contact Heritage Officer Eleanor Sier on 020 8442 0442 or heritage@phoenixcinema co.uk.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.times-series.co.uk/trade_directory/