Changing a Light Bulb

Apparently, the lightbulb in the bathroom went. Unusual as it is a low energy one and they are supposed to last until the end of time. Upon removing it, I broke the fitting, necessitating a trip to B&Q for a replacement. However, when testing the old bulb elsewhere, it still worked. This new fitting didnt work, despite checking and redoing the wiring three times, and numerous trips clambering up to the fuse box, and resetting of various domestic appliances each time, when switched back on. The wiring in the ceiling seemed fine.
Back to B&Q for a new light pull (apparently, because of their continuous physical wear and tear, they can quite often break). Removal of the old light pull, which is attached to an ancient handcrafted piece of wood, moulded into the ceiling, involves loss of large amount of Victorian ceiling plaster which goes everywhere including into my eyes, mouth etc. Installation of new one involves rather dodgy use of extra length screws in order to gain a purchase somewhere in the roof space. Still no light.
Return to B&Q for an AC electricity tester, which detects electricity at the light fitting when I pull the light-pull ("bleep, bleep, bleep"). Take the risk of trusting the AC tester and redo the light fitting (again) without turning off at the fuse-box. And Bingo! We have light! At the expense of approximately £20 and some necessary ceiling repair. Plus several days of having a bedside light illuminating the bathroom (stands well clear- just lucky the pair of us weren't feeling suicidal or murderous).
At least I didnt have to resort to calling out a Sparky and risk great expense and humiliation.