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.
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!
TableTop Sale & Young Crafters’ Market
July 4, 2026TableTop Sale & Young Crafters’ Market (with FREE hot lunch) at St Stephen’s Church (Belle Vue Rd, Cinderford, GL14 2AA) on Friday 7 August & Friday 28 August, 12 noon – 4 pm. *FREE* hot lunch available. All welcome! Great chance to pick up a bargain and help give items a second life! PLUS some handmade items from some local young crafters! Please email Rachel ([email protected]) for more information. And the Fairtrade at St Stephen’s shop will be open, packed […]
Community Breakfast Club
July 4, 2026Tuesdays throughout the Summer Holiday, 9.00 am – 10.30 am at St Stephen’s Church (Belle Vue Rd, Cinderford, GL14 2AA). ALL welcome for a FREE breakfast. (No need to book, just show up on the day! (Gluten free / vegan options available) FREE Picnic pack for family groups to take home at the end of the morning (make sure to let Rachel know when you arrive if you need something without certain ingredients and we will do our best to […]