back to Jamaica to stay with a friend there. However, she insisted on seclusion and did not mix with other former acquaintances while there, and after a time returned to Tenerife. Her father died in July 1967, but this had nowhere near the effect on her as her mother's death. Return to public life After three years as a recluse from society, Batten returned to public life in 1969 when she was invited to be present at the start of an air race from England to Australia. She revamped her image by dyeing her hair, undergoing cosmetic surgery and updating her wardrobe. Once in London, she attended a number of events, and was with Sir Francis Chichester when he started the air race. None of the competitors were able to lower her record for the England-Australia flight, much to her pleasure. She was reunited with her Percival Gull, part of the Shuttleworth Collection, joined the British Women Pilots' Association, and gave interviews for BBC radio and television. Although appearing outgoing, at least one acquaintance noted that her conversation largely consisted of herself and her past achievements. Another observed the dichotomy in her personality; introverted in private but extroverted at public events in her honour. She went to Australia and New Zealand early the following year but initially kept a low profile. Batten only reunited with some of her family once they discovered she was in New Zealand; she had not let them know she was there until she was interviewed by a local newspaper. Initially staying in a hotel, she was later hosted by her nephews and niece and their families, although they soon found her demanding and inconsiderate. Once the public became aware she was in the country, she attended some events; one was the opening of a school in Māngere that was named for her. She became patron of the New Zealand Airwoman's Association and spoke at public gatherings. Most of her interviews were published in women's magazines and she gave few details of her lifestyle other than to allude to one of excitement and glamour. Batten returned to England in April 1970 but shortly afterwards was invited to attend a fundraising banquet in Australia. The flight there and back would be provided at no cost by Qantas, and she quickly accepted the invitation. In Australia, she met with acquaintances, some of whom noted that she talked of