Violet Clifton and Henry (Harry) Clifton in 1908.

ILLUSTRIOUS HOUSE PARTY AT THE HALL.

It is many years since Lytham Hall contained such a happy party as this week, in anticipation of Saturday morning's christening ceremony  Mr. and Mrs. Clifton invited a number of their friends and relatives to spend a holiday here, and the party comprises many illustrious people.

Chief among them is the Grand Duke Michael of Russia, who has a fine castle in Staffordshire Countess Torby was to have come as well, but an attack of influenza has kept her at home. The Earl of Loudoun, Lord Osborne Beauclerk, the Hon. Walter Maxwell, and Mr. D. B. Hall, were also among the guests, and Mr. Jas Fair joined them for the “shoot " on Wednesday and yesterday. Plumpton Hall vicinity was visited on Wednesday, and the ladies joined the party for luncheon here. The total bag was 233 head, principally pheasant. Yesterday the local coverts were shot over in charming weather, and with much success.

Mr. Wykeham Clifton has been over from Wharton during the day, and enjoyed a chat with the guests. Captain Beauclerk had had to return, but most of the party are staying the week end for Mrs. Clifton’s concert on Monday evening. The Grand Duke however, will return home after his duties at Saturday’s christening ceremony.