nan silk's date loaf

1 cup dates - chopped
1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
2 oz. butter
1 cup boiling water
1 3/4 cup SR flour
1 tsp. bicarb soda
2 tsps. vanilla

Preheat oven to 180C (350F) - lightly grease loaf tin (approx. 25cm X 11cm)
melt butter over low heat and add water. place all dates, brown sugar in bowl. sift in flour and bicarb. pour the butter & water mix over and mix well with a wooden spoon. Add vanilla and mix through. Put mix in loaf tin and bake for approx 45 - 50 mins