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.
Spring Craft Fayre
March 13, 2025Spring Craft Fayre, Saturday 29 March, 10 am – 1 pm at St Stephen’s Church, Belle Vue Rd, Cinderford, Forest of Dean, GL14 2AA. Featuring a variety of stalls from local artisans, plus Fairtrade food and gifts from around the world. Delicious hot food & drinks, homemade cakes and much more… FREE entry and a very warm welcome for all. Super exciting range of stalls all confirmed and booked in for this event, including some fabulous return stallholders as well […]
Shrove Tuesday & Ash Wednesday
February 26, 2025Lent starts in just over a week, there will be a Pancake Party on Shrove Tuesday (4 March) at 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm at St Stephen’s Church (Belle Vue Rd, Cinderford, GL14 2AA). Savoury and sweet fillings available, please let the kitchen volunteers know if you have any allergies. (Gluten friendly and vegan options will be available). The following day (Wednesday 5 March) there will be an Ash Wednesday Holy Communion service with Imposition of Ashes at 10.30 am […]
TableTop Sale (Indoor Car Boot) – Friday 11 October
August 18, 2024TableTop Sale with wonderful range of items. Come and search through and find anything from toys to clothes to household items! There will be a mix of new and preloved, helping to save items from landfill. Perfect for picking up some early Christmas bits… Friday 11 October, 12 noon – 4 pm at St Stephen’s Church (Belle Vue Rd, Cinderford, Forest of Dean, GL14 2AA). Free entry, refreshments available throughout. For more information or to book a table (£5 each), […]