diff --git a/Grid/qcd/smearing/GaugeConfiguration.h b/Grid/qcd/smearing/GaugeConfiguration.h
index 6f2ff2e7..f4d00c72 100644
--- a/Grid/qcd/smearing/GaugeConfiguration.h
+++ b/Grid/qcd/smearing/GaugeConfiguration.h
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ public:
 
 private:
   const unsigned int smearingLevels;
-  Smear_Stout<Gimpl> &StoutSmearing;
+  Smear_Stout<Gimpl> StoutSmearing;
   std::vector<GaugeField> SmearedSet;
 
   // Member functions