Would anyone have a clue as to why “search” has gone missing from it’s usual place in my menu bar?

Try the magnifying glass 🔎.

Upper right corner.

I hate change....

Put it in a Jar.
Surprised how much you have in a year.

It never worked good to begin with. Basically useless.

Try this one. It’s a little better.

https://cse.google.com/cse?cx=016407629494559605640:xponie3lspc

It's there. You just have to search for it.

Like I told my kids, I don't mind questions but open your eyes.

Hiding in plain sight.