He also travelled extensively in Europe and North America, between 1976 and 1997, but once again, resides near Ballymena in County Antrim.
Since returning to Northern Ireland, he has produced seven CD recordings, under the Fowkgates label, and is the artistic coordinator of the Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra, which he helped form in October 2000.
His most recent achievements are:
The publication of his “Wee Book” and accompanying CD by Ullans Press and
The creation of a stage show entitled Fae LangSyne, which is the story of Ulster Scots from ancient times to the present day, told
through narration, music, song and dance.
Completed CD recording entitled 'Oor Wee Scuil' sangs and rimes for Weans for the Ulster Scots Primary School Project at Stranmillis University, Belfast.
CD recording reciting poems for Newtownabbey Borough Council's 'Sentry Hill Museum Project'
Presented two radio shows for BBC Radio Ulster's 'Kist O Wurds' programme.
For booking please contact colinagnew@hotmail.com
Upcoming book project
In the summer of 2006 I plan to hike from Slemish Mountain, Co. Antrim to Larne; then by boat to Cairnryan; then to Dumfries taking in part of the Southern Uplands Way. The return journey will be by the Solway Coast to Portpatrick and from there by boat to Donaghadee. The final leg will be by back roads and hills back to Slemish Mountain.
The distance is estimated at around three hundred miles and will take approximately one month to complete.
The object is to write a book, which will relate to the following:
I. Historic links between the people of Dumfries and Galloway and the people of East Ulster.
II. Relevant historic events by migrations from Ulster to Galloway in the 8th century, migrations to Ulster from Scotland in the 17th century by Covenanters.
III. Relevant cultural links e.g. Rabbie Burns/Weaver Poets and shared traditional music and song influences.
IV. Language connections
V. The book will be written in a creative style using short stories, poems and songs.
I plan to visit many relevant historic sites and meet with local historians, musicians, singers, storytellers and other local characters.