I should think it did leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth Jim. It never ceases to amaze me, the lengths some people will go to in their (usually totally ignorant) condemnation of their fellow men/women. It's evil in my opinion. Any hatred is evil. And the travellers, gypsies etc require what any of us do, a decent place to sleep, clean and sanitary toilet facilities, safety and peace. But above all, kindness and understanding from their fellow human beings. I saw a lot of nastiness while prison visiting. The non-travelling inmates hated the travellers and called them Pykies. They said they were dirty and dishonest(!!!!) (This from serial burglars and drug dealers who actually had the most disgusting ways of concealing drugs, needles etc.) Kindness is rather an old-fashioned concept nowadays, but I think it's the most important virtue to have and cultivate.
Best wishes to you too Jim.
Eliza