Thanks Sydneysider...
I was upset as this women has pretty much made out like theres no other option that if I do not find my old base manager than she cannot process me to the next stage - I got the impression she is strictly HR and does not completely understand how an airline works and that a Cabin Manager I flew with frequently would know me much better than a Cabin Manager.
They do seem very funny with references and not at all flexible - I really do hope this does not mean the end of my application!