Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas mark 4
Use a 900g/2 lb loaf tin.
Grease and line the loaf tin. Sift the flour, baking powder and spices in a bowl and stir in dates and walnuts. Put the milk, syrup and butter in a saucepan and heat gently until melted, then mix to dry ingredients. Turn into the prepared tin, level the surface and arrange the cherries and walnuts on top. Bake for 1 to 1 and 1/4 hours. Cut when completely cool.
