The Owl Service was an English alternative folk music collective formed in 2006 by multi-instrumentalist Steven Paul Collins (who led the band for its entire 10 year duration). The band name was taken from the title of a 1967 novel by Alan Garner. Formed June 2006 in Leigh-on-sea. Core members; Steven Collins and Jo Lepine, augmented by Nancy Wallace (of The Memory Band), Dom Cooper and Diana Collier. Single biggest influence; Paul Giovanni - an outsider who sensed what was at the heart of traditional British music