Stir flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add dates, cherries and walnuts. (Do not cut the dates, nuts or cherries - leave them whole.)
Mix well using your hands, until well coated.
Beat eggs. Add vanilla, then combine with the flour mixture. Mix well.
Line a greased 8 1/4 x 4 1/2 x 2 3/4-inch loaf pan with heavy brown paper, then grease the paper. Pour in batter. Bake at 325o for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Take paper off. Cool and wrap in waxed paper.