I think it's going to be a worthwhile skill to learn - maybe on a spare set of wheels first though...
LBS sorted it - 8 quid (about $16). I've just been out for a short ride to check it and managed to pursuade my wife to come too, which was nice. Leisurely but fun. Need to get her a decent bike soon though - the drive train on hers appears to be made of cheese, and the frame's not much better. We did pick it up for 99p ($2) during harder times last year as a 'needs work' catalogue return bargain, and it only needed new brake cables and a puncture fixing, but I'm not convinced it's worth spending any more money on...
Not sure I'll get her on the forums though
One cool thing I did discover today is that one of our LBSs regularly runs a course on wheelbuilding. I'm almost tempted...