The recent very enjoyable and informative television programme on the Orange Order in Ghana was a public relations success for the organisation.

A lot of the credit must go to Drew Nelson, who excelled with his friendly and relaxed style. He was an instant 'hit' with the African brethren and sisters and the whole thing presented the Orange Order in the best possible light.

The film was a real eye-opener for many people here, and like many Orangemen, I have picked up the vibes, as people who are not members have expressed great surprise, and delight, at the fact that the Order is truly a non-racial and inclusive in its membership.

Most Orangemen should have been aware of this already, although I have to admit that I have met brethren who were not aware of the Orange Lodges in Ghana and Togo, or those in Canada comprised of First Nations folk - 'red' Indians as they used to be called.

Now the emphasis in Northern Ireland must be to build on this programme, and that means helping in a practical way the brethren in Ghana and Togo who witness so bravely for the Orange and Protestant cause in the African continent. Their membership is a valued one for world Orangeism and proves that the Order has no racial or national barriers to admission.

Most Orangemen belong to countries in the United Kingdom or those which were former Dominions in the British Empire, like Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

But the Order also has brethren in the United States, in Africa, and the Republic of Ireland.

And inquiries in recent years have reached Schomberg House from Poland and other European nations, so there is a real opportunity for expansion.

Things are really looking up for the Order. There are signs of a real revival in Canada, where a new Lodge is being formed in Windsor. Last year we had the impressive new Lodge in Birmingham, Alabama on parade, and in recent years we have had Lodges formed in Wales, which once had a number of Lodges. Australia too is on the march and very promising reports have been coming from that great country.

The expansion in England and Scotland has been impressive, with new Lodges in both countries, and all this is a challenge to Irish Orangeism, birthplace of the first Lodges.

The Order is attracting more media attention than ever, and in a world where former values are being challenged, and where secularism and materialism are increasing, the Orange Institution is able to point to its uncompromising stand on the great Biblical and scriptural truths.

It is absolutely essential that all Orangemen and Orangewomen play their part in promoting the Order in these exciting times and maximising the opportunities available for expansion in membership and influence.