The Benefice of Cinderford with Littledean was formed in December 2010. The benefice covers Cinderford, Littledean, Ruspidge and Soudley and is part of the Forest South Deanery within Gloucester Diocese. The Benefice serves the community of Cinderford and the surrounding areas.
The benefice includes three parishes: St Ethelbert’s, Littledean; St John’s, Cinderford, Ruspidge and Soudley and St Stephen’s, Cinderford.
The three Parish churches within the benefice offer a variety of service styles according to a range of church traditions, but all are friendly and offer a warm welcome. Please look at the individual church pages for more information and service times or contact us for more information.
The Vicar of the Benefice is Mike Barnsley, who started his time here on 4 March 2011. Mike enjoys being situated at the heart of the Cinderford community at The Vicarage on Belle Vue Road. You may have seen Mike out and about around Cinderford and the Forest on his Harley. Mike would love to meet you for a chat or a prayer. Contact him on (01594) 822286 / 07903 436009 or send a message.
Christmas Craft Fayre
September 26, 2026Christmas Craft Fayre returns to St Stephen’s this November We are delighted to invite the community to the Christmas Craft Fayre on Saturday 7 November, 10am – 1pm, at St Stephen’s Church, Belle Vue Road, Cinderford, GL14 2AA. The fayre will bring together a wonderful selection of stalls from local artisans, alongside Fairtrade food and gifts from around the world. Visitors can also enjoy hot food and drinks, homemade cakes, and plenty more, making it the perfect place to make […]
Fairtrade Fashion Show
September 26, 2026Another fabulous Fairtrade Fashion Show will be held by Fairtrade at St Stephen’s on Friday 2 October, 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm (with the catwalk starting at 7.00 pm). At St Stephen’s Church (Belle Vue Rd, Cinderford, GL14 2AA). The lovely clothes, accessories and jewellery have nearly all arrived and there are some really gorgeous pieces! Everything is fairly traded, but with a wide range of price points aiming to suit as many budgets as possible. There are also some […]
St Ethelbert’s Summer Fair
July 4, 2026St Ethelbert’s Summer Fair, Saturday 25 July, 10.30 am – 1.00 pm at St Ethelbert’s Church, Littledean (Church St, Littledean, GL14 3NL). Lovely range of stalls including raffles, bottle stall, jams & chutneys, jewellery, toys, handcrafted items, Fairtrade at St Stephen’s and much more! PLUS light lunches and a range of delicious homemade cakes! Come and support this beautiful church nestled in the village of Littledean!