Thank you Boncuk for your suggestion of BCD switches, I did not realise that they came in anything else than thumbwheels or screwdriver set versions. Unfortunately there is very little choice and they are quite expensive.
Thank you KMoffett for that link to the 7217. I dont think it will do as I really want a six digit display and a quick look at the Datasheet makes me think that it will only serve a 4 digit display timer .Also I could not find the 7217 Ic in Farnell,Jaycar,RSonline or Altronic catalogues
My biggest problem is not so much getting the bits together, but not having to source from too many suppliers, and basically I want to restrict my sourcing to Australia to cut down on postage and handling cost.
Cheers RH