Preheat oven to 325 F. Spray two loaf pans with non stick spray.
In a large bowl, sift flour and baking powder with salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove.
Take out a small portion of the flour and toss the raisins and candied fruit in it. This is so that the dried fruit will not sink to the bottom when it is baked.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy.
Add egg and vanilla and mix until thoroughly combined.
Alternately, add flour and the milk in 2 batches, mixing well after each addition.
Now add the dry coconut and mix until thoroughly combined.
Using a rubber spatula, fold in the dried fruit that was tossed in the flour.
Divide the soft dough between the two loaf pans. Decorate the top with the glace cherries.
Bake for 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Mix the tablespoon sugar with the tablespoon water. Brush this on the loaves and return to the oven for another 3 minutes.
Let cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pans. Let cool completely before slicing.