uh... it was the battery

I charged it up over night and plugged it back in about 1/2 hour ago... vroooom first time. Well aint mah face red...

I will still take some of the steps mentioned above because after the initial start (and a victory lap around THE HILLS) I stopped for fuel, and she wouldn't start first go like she used to. Will keep an eye on it before doing anything drastic - go for another spin in the morning and see how she starts, but I guess the big part is out of the way now - I know it starts and runs so long as the battery can hold it's charge (I disconnected that dodgy stereo setup), so now I can go about updating all the old bits and pieces.

I appreciate all the replies to my original post... Guess I didn't realise how popular this forum was and how many Mini tragics there are, even just in my local area...

I knew I was one of the tragics when I got back from my victory lap and just had to jump on here and write about it - even if no one reads it, what a buzz!!

Thanks guys

You need to check that the alternator (or generator) is actually charging the battery otherwise it will slowly go flat (or if you have your lights on it will quickly go flat)

Actually I remember a few months ago on the freeway the cable slipped off the altenator and started to squeal... Might have it looked at, something may have been damaged.

Ta!!