Drain and chop cherries. Set aside. Cream sugar and margarine. Add eggs one at a time and beat well. Sift together flour, soda, and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Stir in vanilla, nuts and cherries. Pour into a greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350ºF.  for 55 to 60 minutes.