Try using the metered manual mode. Page 52 in the camera manual. (You can find it online to download if need be.)

Did that but it didn't make any difference. Got the (spam foldered) email but the only download I could find was for the current full version 4.

Just to point out that there's still a 2015 photo amongst the submissions.
The date showing in the PU exif data is not the date associated with the actual exif in the photo. Seems a strange occurrence! As it was taken with a K-1 mkII I really don't see what has happened here as the exif shown predates the camera!
Could it be because of a re-working of the image in camera of an older photo?

Where was the option to download it?

WEEKLY - SPRINGTIME COMP.
Just to point out that the present weekly competition is for a Springtime photograph is running. The entry can be either a fresh photograph or one from your archive.
https://www.pentaxuser.com/competitions/weekly--665---springtime-918

MONTHLY - ISOLATION PERIOD COMP.
I note there are some entries not taken this month, possibly because the judge didn't remind entrants that they had to be. This might lead to an unlevel playing field if that omission isn't clarified. Perhaps the entrants should be given a second chance unless the rules have changed for this month to allow older photos. Though if the rules have temporarily changed we need to be advised!
https://www.pentaxuser.com/competitions/monthly--94---isolation-period-915

Once it's in a lens though any spores remaining will regenerate the problem. or so I was assured by a professional lens repair company.

Get rid of it, you don't want it to contaminate your other lenses.
If it's cleaned fungus can quite likely return.

It has that appearance!

Or this:

Hi Gary,
Shh.. Perhaps no-one told him....!