Viking Arms Defence supports forces families at Bramble Woods in Catterick

January 5, 2026

In December, Sam MacArthur (Managing Director) and Kim Marland (Operations Manager) from Viking Arms Defence visited the Bramble Woods Project in Catterick, spending time at the Wavell Pavilion with the volunteers who deliver activities throughout the year for spouses and families across the military community at Catterick Garrison.

While “defence” is often associated with capability and readiness, this visit was a timely reminder of another essential part of the Forces ecosystem: community. The people and families who support Service life every day matter hugely — and Bramble Woods provides a welcoming space that helps build connection, wellbeing and a sense of belonging.

A warm welcome at Wavell Pavilion and the Community Garden

The visit began with a stop at the Community Garden — a shared green space created for the local community to use and enjoy. It’s a simple concept with real impact: somewhere to pause, talk, and spend time together.

From there, Sam and Kim joined volunteers at the Wavell Pavilion to take part in a seasonal activity that brings families together each year.

Preparing Christingle oranges ahead of the service

With the Sunday service approaching, the team helped to make Christingle oranges. For many families, Christingles are a familiar part of the festive season — and the preparation is often just as meaningful as the service itself.

Making them together creates an opportunity for conversation, shared stories, and a calm moment of togetherness during what can be a busy time of year.

Thank you to the volunteers supporting the Forces community

Viking Arms Defence is proud to support this initiative in partnership with e50K and the Bramble Woods Project. We would like to thank the volunteers who give their time, energy and care to create year-round opportunities for the military community at Catterick Garrison.

As we move into the new year, we remain committed to supporting projects that strengthen the Forces community — and we look forward to staying involved with initiatives that make a tangible difference to Service families.

Find out more about the Bramble Woods Project here:

https://www.communities.e50k.org.uk/projects/bramble-woods

February 14, 2025

Earlier this month, Viking Arms were honoured to be invited to attend the Army Foundation College Harrogate’s Boxing Night, an event showcasing the dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship of Junior Soldiers.

Representing Viking Arms on the night were Kim Marland, Operations Manager; Dan Preston from the Viking Police, Military and Defence division; and Financial Controller Charles Robinson.

The event highlighted the rigorous training undertaken by the Junior Soldiers in preparation for their bouts. Viking Arms had the honour of sponsoring the only female bout of the evening and presented a trophy to the victorious boxer.

In a gripping match, Junior Soldier Ritchie from 26 Platoon faced off against Junior Soldier Hughes of Cambrai Company. Both athletes displayed exceptional determination and skill across three hard-fought rounds.

A huge congratulations to Junior Soldier Hughes on her well-earned victory!

Dan Preston, Viking Police, Military and Defence division;

“It was an honour to support the Army Foundation College Harrogate’s Boxing Night and witness the dedication and resilience of these Junior Soldiers. Events like this highlight the incredible discipline and commitment instilled in our future armed forces personnel, and Viking Arms is proud to support the college, its staff and students”.

Watch the full AFC(H) Boxing Night here: https://www.theproductioncompany.co.uk/harrogate-boxing

At Viking Arms Ltd, we are committed to supporting the UK’s armed forces. As a proud signatory of the UK MOD’s Armed Forces Covenant and a Silver ERS award holder, we remain dedicated to recognising and backing those who serve.

December 11, 2024

At Viking Arms, we’re passionate about giving back to the communities that matter most to us. Recently, we joined forces with Amey and e50K, a military spouse and veteran-led social enterprise, for another incredible ‘pack up’ day to assemble the much-needed Move You In Packs.

These packs are a lifeline for military families transitioning to new accommodation, providing them with essential items to help them settle into their new homes. Each pack is more than just a box of essentials—it’s a gesture of support and solidarity with the Armed Forces community.

What Happens on Pack-Up Day?

Our team, alongside other volunteers, came together to pack 2,500 boxes, each filled with eco-friendly, sustainable products sourced from small, veteran or Armed Forces Covenant-holding businesses. This effort not only provides crucial support for military families but also:

• Offers paid employment opportunities for spouses, families, and local community members.

• Encourages teamwork and connection among Defence professionals and military supporters.

• Directly impacts the lives of military families, ensuring they feel valued and supported during a significant life change.

It’s also a fantastic chance to meet like-minded individuals and contribute to a project that strengthens the Armed Forces community.

The Bigger Picture: Empowering Military Families

The Move You In Packs are funded by Amey through its collaboration with e50K. This initiative goes beyond simply providing essentials—it’s about uplifting military families in meaningful ways.

Every product in the pack is thoughtfully selected, including contributions from businesses like Willsow, creators of the world’s first plantable children’s book. The profits generated are reinvested into e50K to support community-driven schemes that improve the physical and social environments for military families.

Here’s what this project has achieved so far:

• 188 spouses employed

• 2,613 paid hours provided to Armed Forces community members

• 4,657 volunteer hours contributed by local and national partners

• 82 partnerships formed to support the initiative

• 4 new Armed Forces Covenant signatories

A Shared Mission

Our Armed Forces families sacrifice so much for us—it’s a privilege to give something back. Through projects like this, we can help military families feel supported, empowered, and valued.

By participating in the Move You In initiative, we’re proud to support a mission that connects people, enhances communities, and uplifts the Armed Forces community.

Join the Movement

Want to learn more about the Move You In initiative and how it’s making a difference? Visit e50K and discover how you can get involved in supporting this amazing project.

#MoveYouInPack #WeAreTheChange #MilitaryFamilies #SupportingOurTroops

October 6, 2024

The women’s football team at the Army Training Centre (ATC) Harrogate has kicked off their season with renewed energy, thanks to a generous sponsorship from Summerbridge-based defence distributor, Viking Arms.

Formed last season to unite female staff members, the team provides an opportunity for participants to develop new skills, stay active, and inspire female Junior Soldiers by demonstrating the vital roles women play within the Army.

Lieutenant Charley Rogerson, who spearheaded the initiative, highlighted the team’s importance:
“Inspiring the next generation of female soldiers is crucial. With women making up a smaller percentage of the British Army, it’s essential to demonstrate that they have a valuable place within the ranks. Football is a powerful way to showcase the camaraderie, support, and capabilities women bring to the Army.”

This season, ATC Harrogate’s women’s football team is competing in a local league, recently completing an international tour in Salou, Spain. The tour marked a historic milestone for the team, underscoring the college’s commitment to promoting women’s sports and fostering team spirit.

The tour was made possible through Viking Arms’ sponsorship, which provided the team with high-quality kit and resources for elite training ahead of their international match. The AFC Ladies’ team, featuring players with varying levels of experience—from Army-level athletes to first-timers—faced a well-drilled Spanish side, St Llorenç. Despite a tough start, the team showed resilience, delivering a strong performance.

This event marks the beginning of a new era for women’s football at ATC Harrogate, with the all-female team setting a high standard for future teams. Their commitment, teamwork, and resilience will not only shape their roles at ATC but also serve as a model for the Junior Soldiers they inspire.

Currently, women make up just under 12% of the UK Regular Forces, but with all military roles now open to women, they are welcomed into a diverse and supportive workplace. Female leaders play key roles across the Army’s capabilities, including combat and support positions.

Sam Macarthur, Managing Director of Viking Arms, shared her excitement about the partnership:
“As a female-owned and managed business in the defence industry, we are thrilled to sponsor this team. Supporting opportunities for female soldiers and officers to unite and excel through football is something we are incredibly proud of.”