Civil Defence Dad Microwave Notice Metal Wall Plaque - Red

This red metal wall plaque turns a running family joke into an official-looking public notice. Under a crown crest flanked by the words "Ministry of Information", it announces a "Notice to the Public" in cream lettering: "If it fits in the microwave Dad can cook it". Beneath, in smaller capitals, comes the small print every household will recognise: "The cooking of an object is no guarantee of it being edible", signed off "Civil Defence" with a small arrow. The plaque is rectangular, 20cm tall and half a centimetre deep, with a glazed finish over the deep red ground and a gently worn look that recalls an old printed notice.

It belongs on the kitchen wall, of course, where it can keep an eye on proceedings beside the microwave, though it is just as much at home in a utility room, a study or a den where Dad likes to hold court. As a Father's Day gift it lands the joke without a word of explanation, suiting the dads who take their reheated leftovers very seriously as much as those who have been gently steered away from the hob. Anyone who has watched a dad confidently reheat something unexpected will see the point at once.

The plaque is made from metal with a glazed finish, which gives its red face a smooth surface. At only half a centimetre deep, it lies close to the wall rather than standing out from it, which suits a busy spot where space is tight. To keep it looking its best, dust it with a soft dry cloth and, if it picks up kitchen splashes, wipe it gently with a damp cloth and dry it straight away. For a gift, team it with a beginner's cookbook he may or may not open, and it will raise a smile in the kitchen all year round, not just on Father's Day.

How big is the Dad microwave plaque?

The plaque is rectangular, 20cm tall and just half a centimetre deep, so it sits slim and close against the wall.

What is the plaque made of?

It is made from metal with a glazed finish, which gives the red face a smooth surface and a crisp setting for the cream lettering.

What does the plaque say?

Under a crown crest and "Ministry of Information", it reads "Notice to the Public: If it fits in the microwave Dad can cook it", with "The cooking of an object is no guarantee of it being edible" and "Civil Defence" beneath.

What colour is the plaque?

It is a deep red with cream lettering and a gently worn look, styled like an old printed public notice.

Is this a good Father's Day gift?

Yes, we think it makes a cheerful Father's Day gift for any dad who is proud of his microwave cooking, and the joke needs no explanation.

How should I clean the plaque?

Dust it with a soft dry cloth, and if it picks up kitchen splashes, wipe it gently with a damp cloth and dry it straight away.