Civilian Instructors

Our Civilian Instructors

  • CI Dave Thompson

    Civilian Instructor and Squadron Adjutant

    Dave joined 969 (St Helens) Squadron in 2022 as a Civilian Instructor, joining at the same time as his son who is now a first-class cadet. He has been working for Speedy Hire for the past 20 years as a senior leader in the IT department, currently as IT Technical Director.

    He is now a qualified RCO (Range control officer), safety supervisor and shooting coach, so we can now run our own range for shooting activities. He is also a qualified Field Craft Instructor and our Flight Simulator Instructor.

    He can also act as Medic having recently passed his AFA (Activity first Aid).

  • CI Jamie Molyneux

    Civilian Instructor and Training Officer

    Jay first joined the squadron in 2014 as a cadet, during his time as a cadet he rose to the rank of FS before aging out at 20, a year later he re-joined the squadron to give back to the squadron.

    Jay works at Knowsley Food Bank and in his spare time volunteers at his local scout group, He is looking forward to getting involved in squadron activities and teaching the cadets the skills he picked up from the organisation

  • CI Peter Brownbill

    Civilian Instructor

    Pete has been a part of 969 since 2007 initially as Civilian Committee before shortly joining as a Civilian Instructor after both his Son's were Ex Cadets at 969 Squadron.

    Pete has a passion for the Duke of Edinburgh award and has been doing this for the past 10 years. He is also a Climbing Instructor. Pete was responsible for Squadrons Activities and Training as Training Officer for a number of years.

  • CI Megan Davies

    Civilian Instructor

    Meg joined 969 (St Helens) Squadron in 2023 as a Civilian Instructor, with a particular interest in sharing her passion for STEM with the cadets.

    Meg is currently a student working as a dental nurse, but has a background in scientific research that she hopes to use to support the teaching of the cadets. Combined with a passion for graphic design, Meg has begun producing various logo designs for the flights within our Squadron.

  • CI Kerstin Harley

    Civilian Instructor

    Kerstin has been a part of 969 since 2022 when she joined as a Civilian Instructor.

    Kerstin is a Mental Health Advocate and assists with the recruit intake. Kerstin is also a qualified Archery Instructor.

  • CI Simon Harley

    Civlian Instructor

    Simon joined 969 Squadron in 2018 and has actively supported and delivered squadron activities through Covid-19 and beyond.

    Simon shares his duties between his squadron role as a shooting officer and classroom instructor; he is on the wing shooting team as a qualified firearms Range Coordination Officer, coach and safety supervisor, and has been invited to join the national team delivering immersive tech at public events.

  • Rachael Noon

    Civilian Instructor

    Rachael first joined the Air Cadets in 2011. Rachael climbed through the ranks in her time as a cadet and joined 969 St Helens Squadron in 2018 as a staff member. Rachael currently works in a Nursing Team at a School in Merseyside.

    Rachael ensures to pass all her general knowledge and experience she has over to our new cadet generation. Rachael’s main roles on the Squadron are First Aid Officer, Health and Safety Officer and Sports Officer.

  • CI Adam Hornby

    Civilian Instructor

    Adam has been involved in the Air Cadet Organisation since 2010 when he joined as a cadet serving four years till leaving in 2014, he then became a civilian instructor in 2018 helping with teaching various subjects, followed by a period of leave due to family commitments.

    He joined 969 (St. Helens) squadron in May 2023 as a civilian instructor. He currently works as a surveying assistant working up and down the country.

  • CI Mike Maple

    Civilian Instructor

    Mike joined 969 Sqn in 1995 initially taking the role of Civilian Instructor. A number of years later he was successful in gaining a commission and subsequently returned to the CI role on retirement.

    His interests are outdoor skills development, Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Expedition Training.

  • Paul Malpus

    Civilian Instructor

    Paul joined 969 (St Helens) Squadron in 2023 as a Civilian Instructor, joining at the same time as his two sons. He previously served in the RAF Regiment for 15 years.

    He is now a road marching team leader and looking forward to gaining his AT qualifications soons.

  • Gavin Ramejkis

    Civilian Instructor

    Gavin joined 969 (St Helens) Squadron in 2023 as a Civilian Instructor, joining at the same time as his son who is now a Master cadet. He has been working as a project and programme management consultant.

    He is now a qualified RCO (Range control officer), safety supervisor and shooting coach, so we can now run our own range for shooting activities. He is also a qualified Field Craft Instructor. He can also act as Medic having recently passed his AFA (Activity first Aid).

  • Merlin Gornall

    Civilian Instruction

    Merlin is a former cadet at 969 (St Helens) Squadron back in 1990, and has since got back involved because his son has recently joined.

    He is a qualified sports coach and teacher. He has a passion in aircraft recognition.