As research probes deeper into all aspects of science, greater specialisation is required. This natural progression takes knowledge and understanding further away from the general public. Hence part of the responsibility of scientists is to communicate that knowledge at an appropriate level of understanding. As most people do not actively follow the details of scientific progress, it is necessary for scientists to help them build on the science taught at school level, which will always be out of date. Such efforts in the last 30 years are considered here. (Contains 3 figures and 10 online resources.)