There are a number of bare runtime boards available if you don't want to make your own. I use this one: http://www.nkcelectronics.com/arduino-runtime-board-rev-b.html
Other choices include:
http://www.adafruit.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19&products_id=92
http://wulfden.org/TheShoppe/freeduino/freeduino.shtml
btw, is your first name is Giles?