Virgin Man Trivia Quiz

Answer: Student magazine

"Student" was set up to fill the gap between boring, official magazines about education and in-house educational establishment publications that tried too hard to appeal to the kids and it was immediate success, earning Branson over £50,000 in its first year of publication.

It contained its share of student humour, but also covered current events that students were interested in in the late 60s, such as Vietnam, Biafra and modern slavery as well as offering advice on education.

Answer: "Tubular Bells" by Mike Oldfield

Although it was not initially a huge selling album, word of mouth and the fact it was used in the soundtrack to 1973 horror movie, "The Exorcist", soon turned "Tubular Bells" into the "must have" album of the early 70s. Between February 1974 and May 1975, it was a constant fixture in the UK top ten albums, including ten consecutive weeks at number two (his own album "Hergest Ridge" was number one), before finally topping the charts in October 1974.

The album also topped the charts in Australia and Canada and reached number three in the Billboard 200 in USA.

Answer: Necker Island

Leaf Cay in Bahamas is owned by Nicolas Cage, Mel Gibson owns Mago Island, Fiji and St. Tudwal's Island West, off the coast of Wales is owned by survival expert Bear Grylls, meaning that the luxury of Necker Island is Branson's. He bought the island in 1978, aged just 28, allegedly paying just $200,000 for the $6 million valued island, as the previous owner was short of money.

It was uninhabited when Branson bought it, and he has built luxury accommodation for 28 guests, which can be rented out. 2018 prices were $65,000 per day or $2,167 per person per day.

Answer: Newark

The airline was originally set up as British Atlantic Airways by Randolph Fields and Alan Hellary, with the aim of flying from UK to Falkland Islands. The short runway at Port Stanley in Falklands meant that this was impracticable though so they turned their attentions to USA.

After encountering opposition from existing airlines regarding flying to JFK Airport, they looked at Newark, but sought financial backing to ensure a successful bid. Branson stepped in, provided the backing and bought out Fields, changing the name of the airline in the process.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Answer: Union Flag Hat

The episode of "Friends" entitled "The One with Ross's Wedding (part one)" saw the gang in London for the wedding of Ross (David Schwimmer) to Emily (Helen Baxandale). Whilst out sightseeing, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) meet street trader Branson, who convinces Joey that all Londoners wear hats bearing the Union flag, much to Chandler's embarrassment. Branson has also appeared in TV shows such as "Only Fools And Horses", "Baywatch" and "Goodness Gracious Me", as well as voicing himself in an episode of "The Simpsons".

Answer: Pamela Anderson

The "Pammy" as it was known was a plastic bottle which seemed to have breasts, buttocks and a slim waist. Anderson is on record as saying she loved it so much, she bought a case for her mother and needless to say, thousands of teen boys willingly handed over their 49 pence for a chance to hold a miniaturised Pamela Anderson.

The "Pammy" was so successful in UK that it was also rolled out in France, Belgium and South Africa and unbelievably, collectors will now pay upwards of £10 for an empty "Pammy".

Answer: Hard Rock

The Hard Rock in Las Vegas is one of the few American hotels in the chain which is not owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, who purchased the business from Rank for $965 million in 2006. Virgin are a recent entry into the accommodation business, with Virgin Hotels being launched in 2010 and headquartered in Miami Florida, but they have big plans for the future, with hotels planned for most large American cities, as well as Edinburgh, Scotland.

Answer: Cross the English Channel in an amphibious vehicle

Branson has always had an adventurous streak, enjoying kitesurfing and ballooning, so this was a challenge made for him and he smashed the previous record of six hours by some considerable time. For this feat, he used a UK made Gibbs Aquada, which is capable of over 100 mph (160 kmh) on land and 30 mph (48 kmh) in water.

The attempt was done to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Virgin Atlantic.

Answer: The Elders

The Elders aim to promote dialogue and build peace whilst also supporting efforts to alleviate human suffering, particularly when caused by extreme poverty, injustice, or intolerance. Former Elders include Mandela, Jimmy Carter and Archbishop Desmond Tutu and their works depend very much on the funding of donors such as Virgin Unite and The Peter Gabriel Foundation.

Answer: Virgin Brides

The first Virgin Brides store opened in Trafalgar Square, London in 1996 and was at the time, the largest bridal shop in Europe, carrying over 1,000 bridal gowns and over 4,000 bridesmaid dresses. Branson admits the venture lost money and he had totally misjudged the market. I would like to have more interesting info, but I will admit I'm almost afraid to Google the phrase "Virgin Brides".