ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH

August 2025

Ashby de la Zooch (Castle Abbey) record performed by The Merry Macs (1946).

If you want a smooch, and be happy as a pooch, go to Ashby De La Zouch by the sea

The Merry Macs, an American vocal harmony group, were one of several artists to record this song (composed by Al Hoffman, Milton Drake and Jerry Livingston) about the delights of a little village in

Leicestershire. Notably these different versions have variations in the title of the song and how ‘Zouch’ is spelt.

Whilst Ashby may not be by the sea as this song ironically suggests (unless the lido counts), you can still enjoy the summer here! Why not pop down to the museum - especially good for those rainy British summer days.