On the 1 August 1865 the Ogmore Valley Railway was opened by John Brogden and Sons for mineral, goods and passenger traffic from Porthcawl to Nantymoel.

3 Rhondda house and bituminous coals which outcrop along the valley were quickly proved and the Aber, Caedu and Tynewydd collieries were opened by drift mining driven into the seams from the mountain sides.

After some abortive attempts to revive the business, stability was restored by the establishment of North's Navigation Collieries (1889) Ltd. From 1865 to 1983, when the last colliery (Wyndham/Western Mine) closed, the area this once stood is now known locally as the planker, the coal industry provided employment for the communities of the valley and much wealth was produced for the nation.

The village has a rugby union club, prize winning brass band, a local history society,[3] community centre, Wyndham Boys & Girls Club, ladies choir and a male voice choir.

[4] Prior to April 1996 Ogmore Vale was a ward to Ogwr Borough Council, electing a Labour councillor in 1987 and 1991.