Film & soundtrack written, performed & produced by © ℗ Gaynor Perry
In this film, I wanted to personify the landscape of the chalky East Yorkshire wolds where I grew up; and to convey a kinship with nature. The Capper Pass Plant, owned by Rio Tinto, operated on the outskirts of Hull between 1967 and 1991 when it was decommissioned. Despite being ravaged by this toxic tin smelting works, the surrounding environment and inhabitants continued to grow. Although tragically, many did not survive. By-products pumped into the River Humber and the East Yorkshire air were toxic, carcinogenic and radioactive. Radioactive emissions included Polonium 210. Even back in the early 70’s, lead and arsenic was found in cattle that grazed near Capper Pass, livestock and crops had to be condemned on several farms. It was thought the situation would cause public alarm should the fact become generally known. The environmental damage was widespread.
Riches are green
the blackened pipes from the old organ lie resting on the hill, dormant
we grew up here, 'though I’d forgotten myself
the landscape has changed more than our deepest desires
we can be happy in our own skin, happy in our skin
we can be peaceful in our own beds, peaceful in our heads
we are the cows in fields, grazing – our life span is short and our meat is sweet
we’ve fallen prey to foul play, what was holy is now our loss
we can be happy in our own skin, happy in our skin
we can be peaceful in our own beds, peaceful in our heads
riches are green, all that we need is a heartbeat like you
and what we feed the savage within will make us chime or make us cold
Is it certain that I love you? Can I watch you surrender?
Can you hear me? Can I hear you? Can you trust me? Can I trust you?
Is it certain that I love you? Can I reach you? Can you sense me? Can I breathe you in?
Riches are green, kissed by the sun, blessed by the rain.
