Thanks everyone, the car issues were set aside as my wife had health problems.
I will take the car somewhere and get a diagnostic test done, and post the results.
Curiouser and curiouser folks. Picked up my son from the airport late last night. When I finally got my back to my place it was pitch black outside. It was then that I found out the reversing light doesn't come on, but all the other bulbs function...side lighting, brake lighting, indicators work fine.
A bulb warning light appeared on the dashboard. I decided just to change all the rear bulbs, rather than repeat the process in a couple of weeks/months time. Alas the bulb warning light still maintains the brake light bulb is faulty.
Any suggestions ?