Grease and base line a 2lb loaf tin. Preheat the oven to
180C/350F/gas5.

Place the dates and water in a saucepan and simmer gently until the
dates are soft. Mash with a fork until the dates are pureed. Allow to
cool slightly. Beat in the egg.

Mix together the flour and spice. Mash the bananas until nearly
smooth but still retaining a little texture, then stir into the date
mixture with the flour, spice and walnuts.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface. Bake
for an hour, and cover with foil if the top is becoming too brown.