The Highway Wanderers are lucky to have such talented people as Pip'n'Mell as members. They have been entertaining us and lots of other people with their golden old country music for many years.

Pip was born and bred in Deloraine in Tasmania where his family were farmers. He worked for a timber company driving a bulldozer for thirty years until he retired.

Mell comes from Coles Beach near Devonport where her family settled in the 1800s. In fact, Coles Beach is named after one of her ancestors. Mell earned her living as a deli manager before she took to the road.

Pip and Mell have both been playing country music for as long as they can remember.

They joined the CMCA in mid 1990s. At that time they had a slide-on camper which they used to go on trips around Tassie. They met up with the Island Wanderers at a chapter meeting where they provided impromptu entertainment. The chapter encouraged them to join the Club and the Chapter. At the Pontville Rally in 1997 they joined the Highway Wanderers who had befriended them during a dispute with the local chapter.

They migrated to the big island in 1998 when they went to the Roma Rally. They were planning a short trip, but on the advice of a Highway Wanderer friend, they brought their musical gear with them and the rest, as they say, is history.

By this time they were travelling in a Bedford Winnebago Freeway built in 1975, one of only thirty of that model built. It is decorated with various signs which indicate where they are coming from.

Their motorhome seems to attract much attention whenever they stop in town. So much so that they have penned a poem which they are happy to recite to passers by.

It seems to be the question
Of every passing man,
Did you make a motorhome
Out of an icecream van?

The answer is quite simple,
Its all original still,
Never was an icecream van,
And never bloody will.

And while we're on the subject
Of questions that run thin
No we haven't got a scar
Where other head has been.

In 1999 realise that they needed more space so they added an Ensuite trailer in the shape of a caravan to the little Bedford. This has cause much amusement as well as a bit of trouble with the powers that be but they are happy with the arrangement and can travel wherever they like and get the gear out whenever anyone expresses a desire to hear them perform.

In 2002 they settled in Logan in Victoria and they now have a little home base to come back to when their musical trips are complete.

Every year, they organise a Country Golden Oldies and Singalong Favourites Weekend in St Arnaud in Victoria to raise money for various charities. Many musos donate their time and many local businesses donate raffle prizes. In 2005, they had an audience of over two hundred, and raised hundreds of dollars for the local hospital.

Many of us have had the pleasure of Pip and Mell's music over the years and we all appreciate their efforts and their company. We wish them safe travelling and lots of good times on the road.