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PostPosted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 6:57 pm 
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The Mini King
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Joined: Mon May 21, 2007 7:20 pm
Posts: 1338
Location: Windsor, NSW
As a courtesy to my many friends in the Mini community I wanted to let you know that I will be departing my role as Manager of Mini Kingdom Online (MKO) at the end of this week for personal reasons. I hope to continue in the Mini parts business in some form and will let people know once decisions have been made.

It’s been more than five years since I moved my Mini King business from Narellan to Windsor to become a part of the British Motor Imports (BMI) company as MKO. Over that period there has been some exciting and enjoyable times, such as the annual Mini Show & Shine held at the MKO premises, and also some personally challenging periods that weren’t so enjoyable.

I’m unable to comment on the future of MKO. That will be a decision for BMI.

I want to take this opportunity to pass on a big thank you to the many Mini enthusiasts who have supported me during my 50 years in Mini spares and repairs businesses, especially in more recent times.

Best regards,
John Smidt

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" A Hundred Years From Now It will not Matter what my Bank Acount Was,
The Sort Of House I Lived in, Or The Kind Of Car I drove ... But The World May Be A Better Place
Because I was Once Important In The Life Of A Child"


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PostPosted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 7:01 pm 
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Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 3:48 pm
Posts: 1186
Location: Bundanoon nsw
Thanks John hope to see you soon .

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PostPosted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 7:01 pm 
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Joined: Fri May 02, 2008 3:07 pm
Posts: 5069
Location: The Internet
John Smidt wrote:
As a courtesy to my many friends in the Mini community I wanted to let you know that I will be departing my role as Manager of Mini Kingdom Online (MKO) at the end of this week for personal reasons. I hope to continue in the Mini parts business in some form and will let people know once decisions have been made.

It’s been more than five years since I moved my Mini King business from Narellan to Windsor to become a part of the British Motor Imports (BMI) company as MKO. Over that period there has been some exciting and enjoyable times, such as the annual Mini Show & Shine held at the MKO premises, and also some personally challenging periods that weren’t so enjoyable.

I’m unable to comment on the future of MKO. That will be a decision for BMI.

I want to take this opportunity to pass on a big thank you to the many Mini enthusiasts who have supported me during my 50 years in Mini spares and repairs businesses, especially in more recent times.

Best regards,
John Smidt
Best wishes for the future. Thanks for all your help in the past mate.


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PostPosted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 7:45 pm 
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Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2006 8:54 pm
Posts: 1785
Location: Hunter NSW
Best wishes John your knowledge is invaluable and has a pleasure in dealing with you especially in the old Milperra rd and Narellan days


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PostPosted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 9:25 pm 
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Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2016 6:22 pm
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Best wishes and fondest regards..You've been a true gentleman.


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PostPosted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 10:01 pm 
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Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2006 5:03 pm
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Location: Out in the shed cleaning up my own mess.
I sure the whole mini community wish you all the best in your future endeavours John.

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1965 Cooper S shell - all painted up, ready for fit out.
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1966 Deluxe- next rustoration!
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PostPosted: Thu Aug 01, 2019 7:37 am 
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Joined: Sat Jul 04, 2015 8:43 am
Posts: 134
Location: South of Nowra NSW
John, All the best in what ever you decide to do in the future, never met you, but have enjoyed talking to you on numerous occasions with phone calls for information.

Graham

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Lots of good machines

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PostPosted: Thu Aug 01, 2019 7:45 am 
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Oh dear, worry, worry...

Joined: Fri Jun 19, 2009 5:31 pm
Posts: 686
Location: North Rocks
Hi John
Not much to say our friend ship will never change I'll still ring you every morning to make sure your out of bed :)
Graham Russell

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PostPosted: Thu Aug 01, 2019 8:03 am 
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Joined: Sat May 03, 2014 7:41 am
Posts: 10
Hi John, I wish you the very best in the future for business and health.
I want to thank you very much for your expert and detailed knowledge which you freely shared with anyone.
It will be a sad change to MKO.

Thanks again for all your help

regards
Darrell


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PostPosted: Thu Aug 01, 2019 8:33 am 
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Joined: Sun Apr 11, 2004 11:32 am
Posts: 12390
Location: Sthrn HiLoLands, NSW, Australia
All the very Best John...keep on keeping on! Cheers, Mick

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PostPosted: Thu Aug 01, 2019 12:00 pm 
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Joined: Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:04 pm
Posts: 6648
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Of all the people I've met in the Australian Mini community John Smidt would have to be the most knowledgeable on BMC and Leyland vehicles and especially the parts they use. My view is supported by many others I've spoken to who have been in contact with him over a long period.

John's foresight in establishing a working relationship with the factories here and in the UK meant he was able to acquire stock of genuine parts, some of which he still sells to this day. As an example he purchased the original tooling used by BMC to make the Mini plastic flares and hence is able to keep the local market supplied with this vulnerable part. He also has an enviable library of the factory engineering drawings used in the manufacture of parts. This means he has been able to make components that are effectively the equivalent of New Old Stock, such as Mini and Moke brake and clutch lines.

At a time when selfishness and a me-me attitude seems to have crept into our society John has remained open and honest, and always willing to help we enthusiasts with answers to our sometimes mundane questions, regardless of how long that takes. He does this for everyone and anyone who asks, and whether his advice results in a sale of parts or not.

The unique parts catalogue he authored took many years of personal research to compile and is openly used by Mini parts businesses here in Australia and overseas. It is the clearest and most accurate resource for identifying parts and part numbers for the little car we all love. I know he continues to get compliments from UK Mini parts businesses that use it as their go-to source of information.

I'm fortunate to have John as a close friend and someone I trust implicitly.

I'm sure John still has a lot more to offer we Mini enthusiasts. I wish him the very best in whatever he does next in work and leisure. He deserves it.

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PostPosted: Thu Aug 01, 2019 2:12 pm 
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Joined: Mon Aug 20, 2018 10:09 am
Posts: 285
Location: Penrith nsw
Hi John sorry to hear you are finally leaving and I wish to thank you for all your help over the last 12 month with parts and information will miss are little chats
Best regards Shaun


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PostPosted: Thu Aug 01, 2019 6:18 pm 
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Joined: Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:10 pm
Posts: 151
Location: Sydney
Hi John

Best wishes from Dad & I.

Over a very long period of time knowing you we
hope things work out in the future.

Graham & Andrew Bergan.


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PostPosted: Thu Aug 01, 2019 7:07 pm 
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Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2016 8:38 pm
Posts: 607
John is a good bloke what more can an Aussie say
Allen


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PostPosted: Thu Aug 01, 2019 7:53 pm 
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Joined: Thu May 13, 2004 4:41 pm
Posts: 4418
Location: sydney
Sounds like there will be more cups of tea at GR's in order. :D :D :D

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