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 Tree Festival
November 13, 2026Nothing says Christmas quite like twinkling lights, beautifully decorated trees and a warm welcome. Join us at St Stephen’s Church, Cinderford, from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December, for our annual Christmas Tree Festival, a wonderful celebration of our local community and Christmas. The church will be filled with Christmas trees, each decorated by a different local business, individual, charity, community group or organisation. Every tree has its own character and story, making the festival a lovely opportunity to discover […]
Ladies’ Christmas Shopping Evening
November 13, 2026Looking for a chance to get some Christmas shopping done without the children in tow? Or perhaps you’d simply enjoy a festive evening out with friends? Join us at St Stephen’s Church on Friday 4 December, from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm, for our Ladies’ Christmas Shopping Evening! Enjoy a relaxed evening of shopping, with drinks and nibbles to keep you going, all surrounded by the beautiful Christmas trees of our annual Christmas Tree Festival. There’ll be plenty of opportunities […]
Wreath Making Workshop
November 13, 2026Get into the Christmas spirit with our Wreath Making Workshop! Come along to St Stephen’s Church, Cinderford, on Friday 20 November, for a relaxed and friendly festive wreath-making workshop. Whether you’re looking to create something beautiful for your front door, or a special wreath to remember a loved one at their grave, everyone is welcome. No previous experience needed. We’ll be open from 12 noon until 8.00 pm, so you can drop in at a time that suits you and […]