91-Year-Old Rediscovers A Lifetime Of Island Achievements

A 91-year-old man is revisiting a lifetime of contributions to the Isle of Wight, with help from his Age UK Isle of Wight befriender.

Gerry Moglione spent more than 30 years teaching on the Island, including as Head of Physical Education at Cowes High School and a founding member of staff at Medina High School.

He also played a major role in Island sport, supporting young athletes, campaigning for facilities and helping with the Island Games.

His contributions extended to volunteering at St Mary’s Hospital and raising money for his local church.

His befriender, Stephen Matthews, began researching Gerry’s life after hearing stories about his achievements during their weekly visits.

Stephen said:

“On our first visit, Gerry said, ‘I did this, I did that.’ I thought nobody can be that good. I thought nobody could have done everything he was telling me about.”

The Isle of Wight Record Office provided historic newspaper articles documenting Gerry’s work over several decades.

Stephen now brings a selection to each visit, helping Gerry revisit memories and build a timeline of his life.

The project has also brought Gerry’s wife Margaret into their conversations, with the three sharing stories and laughter.

Gerry described Stephen’s weekly visits as “lovely”, adding that they always have a good chat.

Stephen, who became a befriender after losing his partner, said volunteering had transformed his own life:

“I volunteered purely for selfish reasons really.

"I’d lost my partner, I was on my own, and I thought I needed something to do.

"Somebody suggested this and it’s been the best thing that could have ever happened to me. It’s given me a new lease of life.”

Their conversations have been recorded in a video produced by Age UK Isle of Wight, featuring photographs and historic newspaper articles alongside their memories.

The video can now be watched on the charity’s Facebook page.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a befriender or supporting Age UK Isle of Wight can email volunteering@ageukiw.org.uk or visit ageuk.org.uk/isleofwight.