The 91-year-old Federation Village resident says she can still recall her early childhood in Yarraville, riding in a horse and cart with her parents and baby sister.

She also remembers when cars first hit the streets and their headlights were carbide lamps.

She remembers when electricity came and street lights were first installed; she vividly remembers the Depression.

As the years have gone on, her family wanted to throw things out - paper clippings, invitations, birthday cards, address books, and other odds and ends.

But she rescued them and is now a keen collector of her family's history.

Werribee's Wayne Wright, on the other hand, struggles with memory loss every day.

He had to learn how to walk, talk and move again following a road accident that left him in a coma for three months.

He's now unable to work.

But while Mrs Simpson is almost half his age, the pair couldn't be closer friends.

"He puts up with me," she laughs.

"I boss him around, but he's never bored of my company and I'm never bored of his - I look forward to his visits, I think the world of Wayne."

The dynamic duo were put together by Wesley Do Care, a social support service for socially isolated, frail older people and adults with disabilities.

Lost without his work, Mr Wright was desperate to fill his time.

So he decided to volunteer and spends his time visiting people who might be feeling a bit lonely.

Struggling with his own obstacles, Mr Wright said Mrs Simpson's amazing mind was an inspiration to him.

"She's sharp," he says, winking at Mrs Simpson, who is almost blind.

"She's incredibly smart - when we go shopping, she turns to me and says 'Wayne, I think this'll come to $68'.

"We got to the cash register and she's right! She's added it up in her head - it's just crazy.

"Without people, life isn't much. What I give to people, it empowers me and makes me feel good."

Mrs Simpson said she hoped sharing the story of her and Mr Wright's friendship would inspire others to volunteer their time.

"History is what binds Wayne and I; he's never bored with things I tell him. I think the world of him."

Wesley Do Care is holding training sessions for people wanting to become volunteers. The next session will be held on July 21 between 10am and 2.30pm. Details: 96877742.