At the end of 2024, the curtain fell for good on the colony of Frans and Betsie van Heteren. Well known among our northern neighbours as one of the best lofts in the sprint and middle distance, they were not afraid to go all out with chain wins. The Combinatie van Heteren team was built on two bloodlines: G&S Verkerk and Ad Schaerlaeckens. These two world-class breeds also formed the world-famous ‘Pair 45’. This top pair produced a series of true thoroughbreds that were able to win against thousands of pigeons. Direct offspring of this pair won, among others:
1. Gorinchem 4.994
1. Quiévrain 1.790
1. Strepy 1.010
1. Tienen 702
1. Tienen 417
2. Heusden-Zolder 7.746
2. Dizy-le-Gros 1.775
2. Laon 1.742
2. Etroeungt 1.150
3. Marche 22.902
3. Sittard 1.169
3. Arlon 1.048
4. Bierges 14.692
4. Mettet 12.158
4. Quievrain 1.759
5. Heusden-Zolder 7.608
8. Bierges 14.692
13. Bierges 23.271
14. Marche 10.178
16. Duffel 20.140
16. Bierges 11.941
17. Bierges 19.429 etc...
Pitts was able to seize 15 birds through third parties and is now offering what may be a last chance to acquire something from this top colony!